Collection: County Fire Office
The County Fire Office was a notable fire insurance company founded in 1807, specializing in insuring country homes and farms. Here’s a look at its history:
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Regent Street Beginnings: The company moved to 50 Regent Street in 1819, shortly after the street was laid out by John Nash.
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Architectural Evolution: The original building was replaced in the 1920s, designed by Ernest Newton, while maintaining elements of its earlier design.
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Britannia Sculpture: The building features a sculpture of Britannia, originally part of the company’s logo, which was rebuilt in the 1920s by Hermon Cawthra.
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Company Changes: The County Fire Office became a Limited Company in 1905 and was acquired by Alliance Assurance Company in 1906.
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Modern Use: The building is now part of the Hotel Café Royal, housing a luxury spa, but still retains some of its original features, including a helical staircase.
