Shipbroker Notes : Lloyd’s Register history

In the 17th century much of the business of the Port of London was conducted in various coffee houses in the city. One such coffee house, much frequented by people concerned with the shipping business, especially underwriters, was run by a man called Edward Lloyd.(owner of the coffee house). Anxious to please his clientele (coffee drinkers), he produced ships’ lists giving some account of vessels likely to be offered for insurance. Lloyd’s Register is a descendant of these lists and in four large volumes it contains details of all the merchant ships in the world of over 100 tons gross.