2-979-678 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Improvements in Fleet-Street - the Union Bank of London, Temple Bar Branch, 1857. 'The house on the left, with a narrow but ornamental front, will be occupied by Mr. Groom, as was its predecessor, for the sale of his excellent coffee. Next door is the Rainbow passage; and adjoining is the new banking-house for the Temple-bar branch of the Union Bank of London - Atchison, architect. It has a very commanding appearance; the style is Italian, and the material Portland stone: the construction has several novel merits. It is fireproof, iron being largely employed throughout...the front window-frames are...of iron, cast and fitted with revolving shutters by Bunnett and Co. The strong room in the basement is fitted with Chubb's wrought-iron fireproof doors...Next door is the handsome office of the Legal and General Life Assurance Company'. From "Illustrated London News", 1857.