Where did Lloyd's originate?

Lloyd's originated at the Thames-side Coffee House, which was a popular meeting place for merchants and ship owners in the late 17th century. The coffee house, run by Edward Lloyd, became the hub for maritime insurance discussions and transactions. It facilitated networking among stakeholders in the shipping industry, allowing them to share information and assess risks associated with maritime ventures.

Over time, the demand for insurance grew, leading to the development of a more organized structure for underwriting marine insurance. This ultimately paved the way for the establishment of Lloyd's of London as a formal insurance market, where underwriters and brokers could transact business. The historical significance of this venue is a key factor in understanding the roots of Lloyd's and its influence on the global insurance market today.

The other options, while related to different establishments or trading venues of the time, do not hold the same direct connection to the founding of Lloyd's that the Thames-side Coffee House does.