 | This article includes a list of general references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations. (August 2012) |
| London Coal Exchange | |
|---|---|
 James Bunstone Bunning's design model for the Coal Exchange, held by the Royal Institute of British Architects and displayed by the Victoria and Albert Museum. | |
  London Coal Exchange Location with the City of London | |
| Alternative names | The third London Coal Exchange building |
| General information | |
| Status | Demolished |
| Type | Trading exchange |
| Architectural style | Italianate style |
| Location | Thames Street |
| Town or city | City of London |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Coordinates | 51°30′34″N 0°05′01″W / 51.5094°N 0.0835°W |
| Construction started | December 1847 |
| Completed | 1849 |
| Inaugurated | 30 October 1849 by Prince Albert |
| Demolished | November 1962 |
| Owner | Corporation of London |
| Technical details | |
| Structural system | Cast iron |
| Material | Portland stone |
| Floor count | 4 |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect(s) | James Bunstone Bunning |
The London Coal Exchange was situated on the north side of Thames Street in the City of London, nearly opposite to Old Billingsgate Market, occupying three different structures from 1770 to 1962. The original coal exchange opened in 1770. A second building from 1805 was replaced by a new purpose-built structure constructed from 1847 to 1849, and opened by Prince Albert on 30 October 1849. This third London coal exchange was one of the first substantial buildings constructed from cast iron, built several years before the hall at the Great Exhibition. It was demolished in 1962 to allow widening of what is now Lower Thames Street despite a campaign by the Victorian Society to save the building. Cast iron decorations from the 1849 Coal Exchange building were selected as the model for the dragon boundary mark for the main entrances to the City of London.