Insurance records reveal the lost landmarks of the London Marathon

As tens of thousands of runners prepare to take on 26.2 miles of the London Marathon, many will be focused on ticking off today’s best-known landmarks. However, insurance records suggest there is far more to the route than meets the eye.  

Drawing on more than 325 years of insurance history, Aviva has opened its archive to uncover the lost landmarks and forgotten stories that once lined the capital’s streets – revealing how Londoners through history lived, worked, and protected what matters most. 

Mile 1: Stately properties  

As they make their way to the marathon’s start line in Greenwich Park, eagle-eyed runners may spot Ranger’s House, insured for £4,000 in 1740 by MP John Stanhope. The grand Georgian property is now better known as the fictional home of the Bridgerton family. 

A nearby lost landmark is Montagu House, a royal residence once on edge of Greenwich Park. Insurance records show the Georgian property was insured by the Duke of Montagu in 1749, before being demolished in 1815. 

Mile 4: Fame and fortune 

As runners leave Greenwich and head towards Woolwich, the route passes close to Westcombe Park. Archival records show that the area was once home to Georgian actress, Lavinia Fenton, who insured a property with Aviva predecessor Hand in Hand Fire & Life Insurance Society for £4,000 in 1755.  

Best known for her role as Polly Peachum in The Beggar’s Opera, Fenton later married the 3rd Duke of Bolton, with her legacy thought to be reflected today in nearby Peachum Road.  

Mile 6: Working London 

As the route traces the Thames from east to west, insurance records offer a glimpse into working life of 18th- century London. Bakers, rope-makers, woodmongers and fishermen are examples of businesses protected along the route through history. 

Mile 16: A pub still standing 

Runners passing through the Isle of Dogs this weekend will be in the shadow of Canary Wharf, but a link to 18th- century London remains through The Ferry House pub.  Often described as the Island’s oldest pub, Hand in Hand insured the business in 1754.

Mile 23: A different city 

As runners approach the City of London, records show how the commercial landscape differed from today’s busy financial district. Documents include an 18th century policy for The London Coal Exchange on Thames Street, insured for £4,000. Nearby also stood the original Fishmongers’ Hall, first insured by Aviva in 1727. The building was demolished around a century later to allow for the construction of London Bridge, before a new hall was built on the same site. 

Mile 25: High society 

Further along the route, runners pass close to Great George Street, developed and insured in the 1750s by James Mellor. The street attracted architects, inventors and politicians, including Sir Robert Peel. 

Insurance records reveal that nearby Queen Anne’s Gate was also home to a host of prominent figures, including Earls, Bishops, and Dukes – and later, William Paterson, founder of the Bank of England.  

Mile 26: The finish line 

The race ends on a royal note, with runners crossing the finish line against the iconic backdrop of Buckingham Palace.  

Aviva’s records reveal several policies held in the surrounding area by princes and princesses. In 1787, Aviva insured Carlton House for £30,000 on behalf of the Prince of Wales, later King George IV. The house was demolished in 1827, with proceeds used to help renovate Buckingham House into what is now Buckingham Palace. 

Whilst not open on marathon day, just a short walk from the finish line is Berry Bros. & Rudd, Britain’s oldest wine and spirit merchant. Aviva has insured the business for more than 300 years, making it a rare example of an institution enjoyed by both 18th and 21st century customers.  

Anna Stone, Group Archivist, Aviva, said:  

“Our archive offers a fascinating glimpse into how Londoners lived and worked across centuries. While London has evolved, the need to protect what matters most has remained a constant. Since 1696, Aviva and its predecessor companies have proudly supported Londoners, with some relationships spanning over 300 years. 

“As this year’s runners make their way through the capital, we wish them the very best of luck – and hope they can find a moment to enjoy the history that lines the route.” 

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