21 Old Bond Street W1

16 September 1940

By James Ramey

On 16 September 1940, at 10.06pm, a high explosive bomb struck Gieves Ltd (traditional mercers, tailors and gentlemen's outfitters since 1785), at 21 Old Bond Street W1. The local coal gas main was also smashed open and ignited. Fire began to spread within the building.

Rescue squads were sent from the nearby Berkeley Square Depot to put out the blaze. The fire raged until 3am when it was mostly, but not completely, extinguished. No casualties were reported from the incident. The fire smouldered on at 21 Old Bond Street for days. The Auxiliary Fire Service (AFS) were obliged to play water onto the ruined site. City of Westminster ARP and the Police confirmed the incident as finally closed at 3.30am, 19 September 1940.

In 1974 Gieves Ltd merged with fellow Savile Row outfitters Hawkes (founded 1771). The combined business continues to trade at 1 Savile Row. Today, 19-21 Old Bond Street is home to high-end retailers and office space.