notes for myself

The [Crosse Keys](https://www.google.com/search?kgmid=/g/1tmk7zs1&q=what+the+history+of+Crosse+Keys+Wetherspoons+in+Gracechurch+Street+?) at 9 Gracechurch Street is a grand JD Wetherspoon pub housed in the former London headquarters of the Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (now HSBC). The building is a Grade II-listed landmark known for its opulent interior, featuring marble pillars, high coffered ceilings, and a spectacular stained-glass cupola. [1, 2, 3] 

Building and Banking History

* Original Construction: Designed by architect W. Campbell Jones and constructed by Trollope & Colls between 1912 and 1913, the building served as HSBC's London headquarters.

* Architectural Significance: At its opening, it was considered one of the largest single-floor banking spaces in the City of London. The design features a Beaux-Arts style façade made of Portland stone.

* Interior Features: The banking hall remains largely intact, including blue Ardennes marble columns, mosaic flooring, and decorative metalwork by the Bromsgrove Guild.

* Transformation: HSBC vacated the premises in 1976, moving to 99 Bishopsgate. Wetherspoon eventually took over the site and opened the pub in June 1999. [1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10] 

Ancient Origins of the Name

The pub is named after the Crosse Keys Inn, a famous coaching inn that stood near the site as early as the 1550s. [1, 9] 

* Theatrical Past: During the Elizabethan era, the inn's courtyard was one of only four in the City licensed to stage plays. Shakespeare’s troupe, the Lord Chamberlain’s Men, were among those said to have performed there.

* Historical Timeline:

* 1666: The original inn was destroyed in the Great Fire of London.

   * 1734: After being rebuilt, it was destroyed again by fire and subsequently reconstructed.

   * Early 1800s: It became a thriving coaching hub, handling approximately 40 coaches a day.

* Symbolism: The name "Crosse Keys" refers to the Keys of Heaven held by St. Peter, which are also part of the Holy See’s coat of arms. [1, 9, 11, 12, 13] 

Would you like to know more about the architectural details of the building or other historic Wetherspoon pubs in London?

[Rich media excluded from paste]

[1] [https://www.jdwetherspoon.com](https://www.jdwetherspoon.com/pub-histories/the-crosse-keys-city-of-london/)

[2] [https://exploring-london.com](https://exploring-london.com/2018/07/02/london-pub-signs-the-crosse-keys/)

[3] [https://camra.org.uk](https://camra.org.uk/pubs/crosse-keys-london-156614)

[4] [https://www.london-now.co.uk](https://www.london-now.co.uk/news/25912302.crosse-keys-wetherspoon-pub-old-hsbc-bank-hall/)

[5] [https://www.london-now.co.uk](https://www.london-now.co.uk/news/25912302.crosse-keys-wetherspoon-pub-old-hsbc-bank-hall/)

[6] [https://www.facebook.com](https://www.facebook.com/groups/mylondonpubs/posts/729952999184245/)

[7] [https://uk.news.yahoo.com](https://uk.news.yahoo.com/inside-wetherspoons-pub-glass-domed-050000378.html)

[8] [https://en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HSBC)

[9] [https://cultureseekers.blog](https://cultureseekers.blog/2018/03/12/the-crosse-keys-inn/)

[10] [https://camra.org.uk](https://camra.org.uk/pubs/crosse-keys-london-156614)

[11] [https://exploring-london.com](https://exploring-london.com/2018/07/02/london-pub-signs-the-crosse-keys/)

[12] [https://www.facebook.com](https://www.facebook.com/groups/mylondonpubs/posts/213885154124368/)

[13] [https://www.jdwetherspoon.com](https://www.jdwetherspoon.com/pub-histories/the-crosse-keys-city-of-london/)