Lime Street, London

For the ward in the City, see Lime Street (ward).

Looking north down Lime Street

Lime Street is a street in the City of London between Fenchurch Street to the south and Leadenhall Street to the north. It got its name from the lime burners who once sold lime from there for use in construction.

It is perhaps best-known as the current home of the world's largest insurance market, Lloyd's of London, since its newest building was opened on the street in 1986. Opposite Lloyd's, the Willis Building is the global headquarters of insurance broker Willis. Leadenhall Market is on the street's western side, adjacent to Lloyd's.

The northern portion of the street is pedestrianised. Vehicular through-access to Leadenhall Street is prevented by a firegate, forcing drivers to bear right onto Fenchurch Avenue, from which a left turn onto Billiter Street will return them to Leadenhall Street.

Nearby is the Norman Foster-designed and gherkin-shaped skyscraper 30 St Mary Axe, and the Leadenhall Building.

According to scholars, Charles Dickens placed the residence of Ebenezer Scrooge in a now-demolished house on the site of the current Lloyd's building at the corner of Lime Street and Leadenhall Street.

The nearest London Underground stations are Monument and Aldgate and the closest mainline railway stations are Liverpool Street, Cannon Street and Fenchurch Street.