3 minute read

A Historic Location - Ten Trinity Square

The view from Ten Trinity Square

The view from Ten Trinity Square

Located in London’s most historic area – close to illustrious neighbours such as the Tower of London and St. Paul’s Cathedral – Ten Trinity Square has long been regarded as one of Britain’s finest architectural landmarks. Now home to Four Seasons Hotel London at Ten Trinity Square, this Grade II-listed building possesses a fascinating history.

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Ten Trinity Square was purchased in 2010 by Chinese investment company, Reignwood. The firm brings a deep respect for London’s history and culture, and began the process of restoring the building as a hotel and residences.

During excavations to support the original foundations, a number of significant Roman archaeological finds were made, including chalk-walled cellars, cesspits, animal remains and a well. All of these items were given to the Museum of London Archaeology.

Rather than create reproduction interiors, Reignwood chose to restore and preserve as many surviving original features as possible. A team of stone-restoration experts spent years on the exterior stonework and carvings. Inside, specialist restorers have brought new life to the original plasterwork, wood carvings, marble floors, and the soaring grand staircase.

Following this six-year, multi-million-pound renovation – and now with the renowned management of Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts – Ten Trinity Square stands once again as one of London’s most desirable addresses in London. The property comprises 100 bedrooms, 10 luxury Residences, 3 dining outlets, a luxurious spa and fitness-centre, a private members club and two spectacular events spaces.

Building Ten Trinity Square

The headquarters of the Port of London Authority was opened in 1922 at Ten Trinity Square. Designed by renowned architect Sir Edwin Cooper – who won the project through a design competition – the building was constructed at a then-astronomical cost of EUR 1 million.

Built in the Beaux-Arts style, which was fashionable for civic buildings in the Edwardian era, the quality of Ten Trinity Square represented the status of the organisation. Its majestic façade hints at trade links going back to Roman times, while the original central rotunda was topped by a magnificent glass dome, created to emulate that of nearby St. Paul’s Cathedral. Rising atop the building at the front entrance, a sculpture of Old Father Thames stands proudly, holding his trident and pointing east, paying homage to the trade between nations.

In the peak days of the Port of London Authority, more than 1,200 people each day came to the rotunda to pay port dues for all the boats that were arriving in London. Such was the importance of the building that, in 1946, the General Assembly of the United Nations held its inaugural reception here, in what is now known as the UN Ballroom.

During the Blitz in World War II, Ten Trinity Square was badly damaged by enemy bombing and the domed rotunda was destroyed. In the 1970s, after the Port of London Authority moved to its current location in Tilbury, the building was renovated and occupied by the European headquarters of insurance broker Willis Faber Limited until it was eventually bought by Reignwood in 2010.

Four Seasons Hotel London at Ten Trinity Square – A Landmark Reborn in The City’s Historic Heart

Set in the heart of the City, overlooking Tower Bridge and the Tower of London, Ten Trinity Square is the starting point for discovering London’s historic past, alongside its exhilarating present. As impressive inside as out, this famous building remains the centre of attention, as a new chapter begins in its history.

The property also offers individuallydesigned Residences from one to four bedrooms, some with private terraces and views of the Tower of London and Tower Bridge. They offer open-concept living and dining areas and fully-equipped kitchens complete with Gaggenau appliances. Address: 10 Trinity Square, London EC3N 4AJ Visit www.fourseasons.com/tentrinity Phone: 020 3297 9200