This weekend was the annual Open House London weekend. One weekend each year, more than 600 great buildings in the city open their doors to the public as part of this annual festival of architecture. This year, we decided to go and look at the Lloyds building, probably the most important insurance building in the world. We got to stand on the floor of the underwriting room and admire the famous Lutine Bell, which
traditionally was rung when news of an overdue ship arrived - once for the loss of a ship, and twice for her return. The bell was sounded to ensure that all brokers and underwriters were made aware of the news simultaneously. Now, I believe that it only rung on cermonial or commemorative occasions, lately for example, on the anniversary of various terrorist attacks.

The highlight of the tour had to be the lift ride up to the top. Architecturally, the building is famous for carrying all of its services on the outside. The lifts are big glass boxes that zoom up the outside of the building. The views were spectactular and the ride better than any you'll find at a theme park.

And to top it all off, to Alexander's delight he learned about the concept of insurance which interested him greatly.

Next year we'll try the Swiss Re building