The prospect of widespread European war naturally brought down stocks and shares with a run, so to prevent further fall, the London banks urged the closing of the Stock Exchange, and consequently the suspension of all dealings in stocks and shares until the international horizon had brightened. Crowds of out-of-work stockbrokers and their clerks gathered in Throgmorton Street shortly after the closing of the London Stock Exchange on 13th July 1914. Date: 31st July 1914