Risks, Ruins, and Riches: The Insurance Trail
Join us on a trail starting at the iconic Lloyd’s of London to uncover the evolution of the insurance industry.
Risks, Ruins, and Riches: The Insurance Trail
Beneath the gleaming steel of the modern City lies a history written in coffee grounds, sea spray, and smoke.
Join us on a circular voyage starting at the iconic Lloyd’s of London to uncover the evolution of the insurance industry from: the frantic deals of 17th-century coffee houses; the moral reckoning and insurance case of the Zong massacre which helped lead to the abolition of the slave trade; and the scorched foundations of the Great Fire which led to the foundation of house insurance.
From the artistry of Billiter Street to the hidden corners of Change Alley, discover the scandals and innovations that insured the world—and changed history forever.
About the guide:
Sally has spent over 40 years living and working in London, and her perspective is a little different from most. In her previous career, she led planning and regeneration teams to build hundreds of homes and the infrastructure that modern London relies upon. Today, she uses that 'insider’s eye' to help visitors peel back the layers of London’s 2,000-year history.
As an accredited Green Badge Guide, Sally specialises in uncovering the quirky, 'out-of-the-way' gems hidden in the heart of the City, whether it’s a Roman ruin tucked behind a modern office block or a forgotten medieval alleyway.
The guide will be wearing a City of London Guides Badge and will have an EC BID Walk sign
Date: 14th May 2026
Time: 17:00-18:00 pm
L ocation: Lloyd's building, One Lime St, London EC3M 7HA
Please arrive 10 minutes before the event start time.
****There may be photography taken throughout this event. By signing up for this event you are agreeing for your photograph to be taken****
Join us on a trail starting at the iconic Lloyd’s of London to uncover the evolution of the insurance industry.
Risks, Ruins, and Riches: The Insurance Trail
Beneath the gleaming steel of the modern City lies a history written in coffee grounds, sea spray, and smoke.
Join us on a circular voyage starting at the iconic Lloyd’s of London to uncover the evolution of the insurance industry from: the frantic deals of 17th-century coffee houses; the moral reckoning and insurance case of the Zong massacre which helped lead to the abolition of the slave trade; and the scorched foundations of the Great Fire which led to the foundation of house insurance.
From the artistry of Billiter Street to the hidden corners of Change Alley, discover the scandals and innovations that insured the world—and changed history forever.
About the guide:
Sally has spent over 40 years living and working in London, and her perspective is a little different from most. In her previous career, she led planning and regeneration teams to build hundreds of homes and the infrastructure that modern London relies upon. Today, she uses that 'insider’s eye' to help visitors peel back the layers of London’s 2,000-year history.
As an accredited Green Badge Guide, Sally specialises in uncovering the quirky, 'out-of-the-way' gems hidden in the heart of the City, whether it’s a Roman ruin tucked behind a modern office block or a forgotten medieval alleyway.
The guide will be wearing a City of London Guides Badge and will have an EC BID Walk sign
Date: 14th May 2026
Time: 17:00-18:00 pm
L ocation: Lloyd's building, One Lime St, London EC3M 7HA
Please arrive 10 minutes before the event start time.
****There may be photography taken throughout this event. By signing up for this event you are agreeing for your photograph to be taken****
Good to know
Highlights
- 1 hour
- In-person
Location
Lloyds Building
Lloyds Building
London
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