What Lombard House is
Lombard House stands on Lombard Street in the heart of the City of London’s financial district. The building reflects the area’s layered urban history and its continuing commercial use. Its late Victorian or Edwardian features are described as including symmetrical façades, classical proportions, durable materials such as Portland stone, tall sash windows and restrained ornamentation (Foxtons).
Lombard House is primarily a commercial building and is not generally open for interior tours. Its exterior and the surrounding street offer a view of the area’s financial and architectural heritage.
History
Lombard Street’s roots reach back to Roman Londinium. In the 13th century, King Edward I granted the area to Lombard merchants—bankers and goldsmiths from northern Italy—who introduced new practices in banking and commerce (Slow Travel UK).
The merchants’ tradition of hanging signs helped identify businesses at a time when many people could not read. The signs included the Gresham family’s grasshopper emblem and became predecessors to modern corporate logos (Atlas Obscura). Sir Thomas Gresham later founded the Royal Exchange in 1571, strengthening Lombard Street’s financial importance. By the late Middle Ages, the street had become a centre of English banking; the establishment of Lloyd’s of London in 1691 further consolidated the area’s financial role (Slow Travel UK).
The Great Fire of London in 1666 led to widespread rebuilding, with grander, more fire-resistant façades replacing older timber structures. Large hanging signs remained a feature of the street, but a fatal collapse in 1718 led to regulations requiring signs to be fixed flat against building façades.
The street’s signs also contributed to later corporate identity. Barclays’ spread eagle and Lloyds’ black horse are among the familiar images associated with British banking that developed from this tradition (Slow Travel UK). In 1902, to mark King Edward VII’s coronation, Frederick George Hilton Price installed replicas of famous signs near 68 Lombard Street. Four remain today, including the grasshopper and the anchor (Atlas Obscura).
Lombard Street has also featured in literary and cultural history: Alexander Pope was born there, and Karl Marx referred to the street in Das Kapital (Atlas Obscura). The expression “Lombard-street to a China orange” reflects the street’s association with wealth and risk.
What to see
Lombard House and the streetscape
The street combines medieval patterns with post-Great Fire classical façades, many attributed to Sir Christopher Wren. Lombard House is described as bridging ornate Victorian styles and the more functional Edwardian era. Its features include symmetrical façades, classical proportions, stone or brick construction, decorative details, rusticated ground floors, tall sash windows and subtle ornamentation (Landmarks Architects; Wikipedia).
Advances in construction in the late 19th and early 20th centuries enabled steel-frame buildings with larger open-plan spaces and modern amenities, while traditional exteriors were retained (Wikipedia). Grand entrance halls, high ceilings and open-plan banking floors characterized interiors of the period; upper levels were used for private offices, and public areas commonly featured decorative plasterwork and marble flooring (Foxtons). Many historic buildings, including Lombard House, have been adapted for modern office use, balancing heritage conservation with contemporary business needs (Wikipedia).
Lombard Street is part of a conservation area with strict controls on alterations. Some buildings, including Lombard House, may be listed, providing additional legal protection (Wikipedia). The street remains a commercial artery, with buildings spanning styles from medieval to modern, in an urban fabric shaped by redevelopment after the Great Fire and World War II (Foxtons; Wikipedia).
All Hallows Lombard Street
A short distance from Lombard House is All Hallows Lombard Street, a parish church dating back to at least 1053 (Parishmouse). Destroyed in the Great Fire, it was rebuilt in 1694 to a design by Sir Christopher Wren. The church served the area’s merchants and bankers and retains parish records and historical artifacts. Its restrained Baroque design measures 84 feet by 52 feet (Parishmouse).
Other notable sites around Lombard House include St Mary Woolnoth Church, the Bank of England and the Royal Exchange, which form part of the area’s historic and architectural setting (History Hit).
Practical visiting information
Hours, tickets and access
There are no public interior tours or tickets for Lombard House. Visitors can view the exterior for free and explore Lombard Street at any time; daylight hours are best for viewing.
Lombard House is on Lombard Street, between Gracechurch Street and the Bank of England (Know Your London). Bank, Monument and Cannon Street Underground stations provide access, and Bank and Monument are a short walk away. Step-free access is available from nearby Underground stations. Streets in the area are generally accessible, with wide pavements, although narrow passages and older buildings may present challenges for visitors with mobility impairments. Some historical buildings have limited accessibility.
Tours and facilities
Guided walking tours are available from providers including London Walks and GPSmyCity. Tours cover the area’s financial, architectural and literary history. Self-guided tour apps can also enhance a visit.
Lombard House has no public facilities. Public toilets, cafés, restaurants and shops are available nearby.
Photography and safety
Exterior photography is encouraged. Interior photography is generally not permitted and requires permission. The area has a visible police presence and good lighting; remain aware of belongings during busy periods.
Tips for visitors
- Visit during daylight to see the architecture and historic signs clearly.
- Weekdays offer a lively financial-district atmosphere.
- Look for the remaining historic hanging signs near 68 Lombard Street.
- Comfortable shoes are recommended for the City’s cobblestone streets.
- Consider a guided walking tour for more context on Lombard Street’s history and architecture.
- Combine the visit with other City of London sites and check local event calendars (Guide London).
- A Visitor Oyster Card can be used for travel.
- For visitor information and itineraries, consult City of London Visitor Information.
Nearby places
- Royal Exchange
- Bank of England Museum (Bank of England Museum)
- All Hallows by the Tower Church
- Leadenhall Market
- St Mary Woolnoth Church
- St Edmund the Martyr Church
FAQ
Can I tour Lombard House’s interior?
No. Lombard House is an office building, and interior tours are not generally available.
Are tickets required to visit Lombard House?
No. The exterior can be viewed for free.
Are there guided tours of Lombard Street?
Yes. Several guided walking tours cover the area’s history and architecture.
Is Lombard Street accessible for people with mobility needs?
The area is generally accessible, though some older buildings and narrow passages may present limitations. Step-free access is available from nearby Underground stations.
Can I take photographs?
Exterior photography is welcome. Interior photography is generally not permitted and requires permission.
