<Tr> <Th> Public transit access </Th> <Td> Bank - Monument </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Th> Website </Th> <Td> theroyalexchange.co.uk </Td> </Tr> <P> The Royal Exchange in London was founded in the 16th century by the merchant Thomas Gresham on the suggestion of his factor Richard Clough to act as a centre of commerce for the City of London . The site was provided by the City of London Corporation and the Worshipful Company of Mercers, who still jointly own the freehold . It is trapezoidal in shape and is flanked by Cornhill and Threadneedle Street, which converge at Bank junction in the heart of the City . The building's original design was inspired by a bourse Gresham had seen in Antwerp and was Britain's first specialist commercial building . </P> <P> It has twice been destroyed by fire and subsequently rebuilt . The present building was designed by William Tite in the 1840s . The site was notably occupied by the Lloyd's insurance market for nearly 150 years . Today the Royal Exchange contains a Courtyard Grand Cafe, Threadneedle Cocktail Bar, Sauterelle Restaurant, luxury shops, and offices (http://www.royalexchange-grandcafe.co.uk/). </P>

Founder of londons royal exchange in the 16th century