This International Underwriting Association (IUA)/London Market Group (LMG) market briefing delves into the Lloyd’s archives to bring you a true story of bravery, espionage, courage and heroism and, how 250 years later, holds relevance to this day. Our panel will discuss their connection and interest to the story of a Lloyd’s of London icon and its impact on the structure of the insurance market we know today.

This enlightening and thought provoking Market Briefing investigates one simple policy and how it not only shaped the format of the Lloyd’s of London market as we now know it, but created a hero who is still very much a modern icon: d’Eon Beaumont.

D’Eon Beaumont (1728-1810) French diplomat, soldier and spy, lived a fascinating life becoming a truly inspirational figure. He had androgynous physical characteristics and natural abilities as a mimic. These credentials contributed to his qualities as a spy. D’Éon appeared publicly as a man and pursued masculine occupations for 49 years, although during that time d’Éon successfully infiltrated the court of Empress Elizabeth of Russia presented as a woman, under the orders of Louis XV.

The connection of Beaumont and Lloyd’s of London came about in 1771 when a policy was produced to identify his sexuality, resulting in an astoundingly high premium which resulted in the new Law of Insurance interest being passed by government, marking the Lloyd’s of London professional and respectable market as we know we it today.

Beaumont has been the topic of an essay by Bram Stoker (Famous Imposters, 1910), a character based upon his life in Assassins Creed Unity, video game (2014) and has appeared in an episode of Dr Who (November 2017).

Guest panelists will tell about their connection and interest to the story and how changes in the law and a network of support has rebalanced opportunities and competitive advantages with a future of limitless expectation for all.

More details, including the speakers, can be found on the website of International Underwriting Association (IUA).