Ward of Cornhill

The Ward of Cornhill is an administrative district in the City of London that stretches around the Cornhill street between Bank Junction and Leadenhall Street. It contains the Royal Exchange, two parish churches, and a mix of historic structures alongside contemporary buildings along its streets.

The ward takes its name from one of London's three ancient hills, the site of the Roman forum of Londinium in antiquity. This area served as the city's commercial and religious center for many centuries.

The two churches St. Michael and St. Peter upon Cornhill, designed by Christopher Wren, stand where the Roman forum once existed. They remain central landmarks that shape how people move through and perceive this historic quarter.

The ward sits centrally in the City of London and is easily reached by public transport, with several underground and bus stops nearby. It is most active during weekday business hours when the banks and offices in the area are operating.

London's first coffeehouse opened in 1652 at St. Michael's Alley within this ward and sparked the beginning of the city's coffee culture. This small establishment became the template for hundreds of other coffeehouses that would shape the city's social life.

Location: City of London

GPS coordinates: 51.51350,-0.08500

Latest update: December 7, 2025 10:05