Custom House

The Custom House stretches along the northern bank of the Thames with a neoclassical facade designed by Robert Smirke in 1825. This Grade I listed building at 20 Lower Thames Street displays the hallmarks of its era with columns, tall windows, and a distinctive portico facing the river.

The first recorded customs post at this site dates to 1377, collecting duties on wool exports near the Tower of London. The present building emerged after a crisis in 1825 when the original structure failed due to construction defects, prompting a complete rebuild.

The Long Room served as the central space where merchants and ship captains handled their cargo documents and paid duties, filling it with constant commercial activity. You can still see the tall windows and generous proportions that reveal how vital this room was to the daily movement of goods.

The building sits on a busy stretch of the riverfront and is easily reached by public transport. Access is from Lower Thames Street, which also offers views across the river and connections to nearby historic sites in the City.

The original building collapsed in 1825 due to fraudulent construction work, triggering a parliamentary investigation into building standards. This disaster led not only to a complete rebuild but also prompted stricter regulations for public building projects across London.

Location: City of London

Operator: HM Revenue and Customs

GPS coordinates: 51.50870,-0.08239

Latest update: December 7, 2025 20:42