Guide to Broad Street: History, Architecture, Business and Tourism

The Broad Street area is located in the heart of London’s financial district and is comprised of two separate streets. Old Broad Street runs from Threadneedle Street to Wormwood Street, while New Broad Street is a narrow passageway just north of the London Wall. Broad Street was one of London’s medieval wards, covering an area that roughly corresponds to the modern EC2 postcode.


(Image © Ian Press)

Today, the ward still exists as such, and it has preserved the four liveries (trade associations) that historically made up the Broad Street ward. These liveries include the Company of International Bankers, the Company of Furniture Makers, the Carpenters’ Company, and the Drapers’ Company. These associations have evolved from medieval guilds that had strong links with religious institutions to becoming organisations of international standing that abide by the principles of modern business practices.

Famous Buildings in Broad Street

Tower 42, which was previously known as the NatWest tower, occupies a prominent position at number 25 Old Broad Street. The tower was built in the early 1980s, when it became the first skyscraper to oversee the City of London. At 600 feet high, Tower 42 is London’s seventh highest building. The building has 42 floors, which are mainly devoted to premium office space, with some of its main tenants being Daewoo Securities, Hong Kong Airlines, Regus Office Solutions, Samsung, Piraeus Bank, CSJ Capital Partners, and Boston Technologies.

On another note, Old Broad Street is home to two churches whose original structure dates from medieval times: All Hallows-on-the-Wall and St Margaret Lothbury.

A Tour of Broad Street

The southern section of Old Broad Street is home to numerous banks and other financial institutions. Old Broad Street begins at the junction with Threadneedle Street, on the corner where the Royal Bank of Scotland building is located. Further up the road, at number 125, visitors will find the Stock Exchange Tower, a 26-storey high building characterised by its external glass facade.

As Old Broad Street takes a slight bend eastwards, visitors will come across the City of London Club, a top class venue for business events, weddings, and conferences. On reaching Tower 42, visitors have the opportunity to enjoy an exclusive business lunch at the building’s two restaurants. Rhodes 24 is managed by acclaimed chef Gary Rhodes and is located on the 24th floor, while the tower’s top floor is home to Vertigo, a cocktail bar affording spectacular views of the London skyline. The British Bankers’ Association, HSBC, and Banco do Brasil are on the opposite side of the road. There is a number of small restaurants clustered in the area between Tower 42 and the A1211 (Wormwood Street – London Wall).

As visitors cross Wormwood Street and head north, they will see the New Broad Street House standing on the right hand side of the road. This is a popular venue for business meetings and executive training courses. At this point, it is possible to turn left into New Broad Street, a pedestrian lane that is home to office buildings, international recruitment firms, and businesses in the financial and legal sectors.

Transport Links

The most convenient way of reaching Broad Street is via Liverpool Street station, which is a hub for underground and train travel. The station is served by four underground lines and by Network Rail services to and from Ipswich, Norwich, Southend, Stansted Airport, Cambridge, and North London. The station is on northern end of Old Broad Street.

Alternative stations include Bank, located on Threadneedle Street, and Moorgate, which is only a few minutes away from New Broad Street.

More about Broad Street

Broad Street Railway Station – Interesting facts and images.

Broad Street Ward – Maps, images and detailed area descriptions from 1773.

Stunning properties currently housing serviced office space in Broad Street area.

Further guides on important streets in the city of London including Baker Street, Old Street, Goodge Street, Great Portland Street, Cannon Street and Regents Street.

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