<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> 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>
founder of londons royal exchange in the 16th century
founder of londons royal exchange in the 16th century
Thomas Gresham
Thomas Gresham