3-003-733 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

East India House, Leadenhall-Street, [London], 1861. '...the sale of the East India House took place a week or two ago, it having been purchased with the view...of constructing extensive offices and chambers. As it is possible that, in the intended alterations, the front may be considerably modified, if, indeed, it be not altogether destroyed, we present...a view of the facade, taking the opportunity of giving (from Timbs's "Curiosities of London") a few particulars relating to the House of the East India Company - a relic of "the most celebrated commercial association of ancient or modern times, and which extended its sway over the whole of the Mogul empire" - "The tradition of the House is that the company, incorporated December 31, 1600, first transacted their business in the great room of the Nag's Head Inn...Bishopsgate-street...the present stone front, 200 feet long, and great part of the house, were built in 1798 and 1799, and subsequently enlarged by Cockerell, R. A., and Wilkins, R. A....Since the transfer of the administration of Indian affairs from the Company to the Queen's Government the India House was...temporarily occupied by the Secretary of State and Council for India, with their staff of under-secretaries and clerks'. From "Illustrated London News", 1861.