42 Moorgate, London

42 Moorgate, London, has an unusual lighthouse feature which can be easily overlooked.

Originally, the building was owned by The Ocean Accident and Guarantee Corporation Ltd.  The 15ft high replica lighthouse originally exhibited a light.  Now, it is part of the corner feature of the Swiss bank Habib Bank Zurich plc

In 1890, the company merged with the Ocean and General Guarantee Company Ltd and changed its name to the Ocean Accident and Guarantee Corporation Ltd.

In 1910, Commercial Union Assurance Company Ltd took over the company. At that time, the lighthouse was working, though it is no longer operational.  

A private bank now owns the building at 42 Moorgate London. Although the building has been redesigned, the lighthouse remains on its facade.

Moorgate is a historic and financial district in the heart of the City of London. It is named after one of the original gates in the Roman London Wall, which once marked the city’s northern boundary. 

Moorgate was originally an entrance to London through the city walls, built in the late Middle Ages. The gate was demolished in the 18th century, but the name remained, lending its title to the street and the surrounding area. Over the years, Moorgate developed as a significant hub within the financial district, with numerous banks, investment firms, and insurance companies setting up their headquarters there.

The lighthouse is located at the corner of Moorgate Place. The building is between Moorgate Underground Station, on the Circle, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan, and Northern Lines, and Bank Underground Station, on the Central, Northern, and Waterloo & City Lines.

Visit the London Lighthouse Trail for more lighthouse features in London.