Art

The Royal Exchange was officially opened by Queen Elizabeth I on 23 January 1571. This is an engraving of the second exchange built on the site. It was designed by Edward Jarman, and was opened in 1669, however it unfortunately was destroyed by fire in 1838. The first Royal Exchange was founded by the Elizabethan merchant Sir Thomas Gresham in 1565, to act as a centre of commerce for the city. It was also destroyed by fire in the Great Fire of London in 1666. Size: 250 x370 mm. Copperplate engraving with hand colour. Lower margin slightly chipped, otherwise in good condition.