C . Hoare & Co is the UK ’ s oldest independent bank . Founded by Richard

Hoare in 1672 , the bank ’ s head office is in Fleet Street and it even has its own museum . We plotted its remarkable history , from Charles II to modern day fintech .

1672

C . HOARE & CO IS LAUNCHED

Founded by Richard Hoare , times were very different to 2021 . There were no street numbers , businesses were identified by signs due to illiteracy rates , and the bank started out trading in Cheapside – under the ‘ Sign of the Golden Bottle ’ which can be seen in the bank ’ s Fleet Street museum .

1690

HEAD OFFICE

The bank relocated from Cheapside to its first proper offices in Fleet Street . The move marked the beginning of a long relationship with the area in which it still resides . During this time , the famous diarist Samuel Pepys opened an account with the bank . Other iconic historical celebrities later joined the bank , including Jane Austen and Joseph Smith .

14 October 2021