Search Menu History In the 17th century, London's importance as a trade centre led to an increasing demand for ship and cargo insurance. Edward Lloyd's coffee shop became recognised as the place for obtaining marine insurance and this is where the Lloyd’s that we know today began. Home About Lloyd's History History Corporate History Innovation and Unusual Risks Catastophes & Claims Important people from our past Lloyd's Buildings The Transatlantic Slave Trade From those beginnings in a coffee shop in 1688, Lloyd’s has been a pioneer in insurance and has grown over 330 years to become the world’s leading market for specialist insurance. On the following pages you can learn about Lloyd's unique and colourful past, from its early days in Edward Lloyd’s coffee shop, to the historical events that changed the face of Lloyd's forever. History Over the past 330 years Lloyd's has become the world’s leading market for specialist insurance. Find out more Innovation As a market that specialises in unusual risks, Lloyd’s has insured some fascinating things over the years. Find out more Catastrophes and claims It’s only when a claim arises that the true quality of any insurer is properly tested; and time and time again, Lloyd’s has risen to challenges of the most extreme kind. Find out more Important people from our past An astonishing number of inspired and far-sighted thinkers have played their part in the history of the Lloyd’s market. Find out more Lloyd's buildings The Lloyd's insurance market has been housed in a number of different buildings during our 330 year history. Find out more The Transatlantic Slave Trade We are deeply sorry for the Lloyd’s market’s participation in the trans-Atlantic slave trade. It is part of our shared history that caused enormous suffering and continues to have a negative impact for Black and Minority Ethnic people into the present day. Find out more Pocket guide to Lloyd's Read about the Lloyd’s market, history and building in the Pocket Guide: our market, our past, our home. Lloyd’s is the world’s specialist insurance and reinsurance market. With expertise earned over centuries, Lloyd’s is the foundation of the insurance industry and the future of it. For over 330 years, people, businesses and communities have relied on the Lloyd’s market to protect what matters most and we are proud to continue that service today. Download Subscribe for the latest updates Future at Lloyd's updates Lloyd’s Futureset updates Market bulletins Risk reports Tax news & updates Support Contact us FAQs Glossary & acronyms Useful organisations Accessibility Legal Privacy Cookies Terms & conditions Modern Slavery Act Cookie Preferences Lloyd's Copyright 2021 Lloyd's and Corporation of Lloyd’s are registered trademarks of the Society of Lloyd's Lloyd's is authorised under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000