Royal Exchange, which lies within the ward. Underneath the modern pavement is the world's first underground public toilet, which opened in 1855. Users were charged a standard fee of 1d, reputedly giving rise to the saying to "spend a penny". Cornhill formed part of the marathon course of the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The women's Olympic marathon took place on 5 August and the men's Olympic marathon on 12 August. The four Paralympic marathons were held on 9 September. The postcode for the street is EC3V. Role in City elections Cornhill is one of 25 wards in the City of London, and each elects an Alderman to the Court of Aldermen, and Commoners (the City equivalent of a councillor) to the Court of Common Council of the City of London Corporation. Only electors who are Freemen of the City of London are eligible to stand. The current alderman is Robert Howard and the current members of Common Council are Peter Dunphy (Deputy), Reverend Stephen Haines and Ian Seaton. The most recent Common Council election results, from 23 March 2017, are below: References External links The Official Cornhill Ward Website City of London Corporation Map of Cornhill Ward (2011) "The English coffee houses" Cornhill, after a London map of 1750 Geography of the City of London Hills of London Streets in the City of London Wards of the City of London