The Royal Exchange: A Note on the Occasion of the Bicentenary of the Royal Exchange Assurance

A historical account written in the early 20th century. The book is both a chronicle of London's Royal Exchange—a physical and symbolic hub of English commerce—and a commemorative piece marking the 200th anniversary of the Royal Exchange Assurance Corporation. Combining richly detailed historical narration with a focus on financial and social developments, the work explores the evolution of the Exchange itself, its destruction and reconstructions, and the intertwined history of British insurance. It is likely intended for readers interested in the heritage of London's commercial institutions and the development of the insurance industry. The book traces the story of the Royal Exchange through three major buildings, beginning with its founding by Sir Thomas Gresham in the Elizabethan era, continuing through its destruction in the Great Fire of London and later by another fire in the 19th century, and culminating in its Victorian reconstruction. Alongside the architectural and social history of the Exchange, Mason discusses the rise of the insurance industry, especially during periods like the South Sea Bubble, and the eventual foundation and growth of the Royal Exchange Assurance Corporation. The narrative covers the origins of insurance practices, the societal changes in London, notable episodes of speculation and fraud, and the evolution of business methods and public trust. Ultimately, the work celebrates the enduring presence and reputation of the Royal Exchange and its associated Assurance Corporation amidst the profound transformations in British economic and civic life.