London, England, Stock Exchange Membership Applications, 1802-1924

Historical Context

Although a market in loan tallies and future bill settlements had been in existence since the early 17th Century, the name “Stock Exchange” was formally adopted in 1773 by a group of brokers, dealing in the stocks of new commercial companies, operating from premises in Sweetings Alley, Threadneedle Street. In 1802, this group moved into purpose-built accommodation on the corner of Throgmorton Street and Old Broad Street.

Also in 1802 the Stock Exchange formalised its constitution and was closed to non-members; this enabled it to regulate its own financial affairs, its membership and to set out rules and regulations to ensure fairness and eliminate fraud in its transactions.

These Records

The records include a long run of volumes covering admission to membership of the Stock Exchange for both brokers and jobbers. These comprise printed application forms bound annually and arranged alphabetically by surname. Most are for existing members applying for re-election; others are for first-time applicants and a few are from lapsed members seeking re-admission. The forms do not distinguish between classes of applicant until 1821. Successful and unsuccessful applications are included.

Details requested on the forms included:

• Name
• Name of recommender (from 1811, not required on re-applications after 1825)
• Home address
• Name of bankers
• Marital status (first-time applications only, 1864-1905)
• Age (first-time applications only, from 1906)
• Office address (re-applications from 1865 and first-time applications from 1867)
• Name of any person to whom applicant acted as clerk (first time applications only from 1876)
• Details of war service were requested1915-19

Parts of this description have been taken from the London Metropolitan website. You can find out more about their collections on this page.