On April 24, 1993, the Irish Republican Army (IRA) detonated a massive truck bomb on Bishopsgate, causing widespread devastation London’s financial district. The attack involved a one-ton bomb hidden in a stolen truck, parked near 99 Bishopsgate. Despite a warning call placed about an hour before the explosion, the bomb caused over £350 million ( with estimates reaching one billion) in damages, one of the most costly terrorist attacks in Britain at that time. This wasn't the first time the IRA had utlied bombs against the British Army.

Liverpool Street Station, constructed between 1864 and 1874, marked a turning point in the transformation of Bishopsgate. It was designed to replace the older Bishopsgate terminus of the Great Eastern Railway. Liverpool station was envisioned as a grand, modern hub that could accommodate the increasing demand for rail travel into and out of the City of London.  The actual railway itself was built ontop of Bethlem Royal Hospital, which focused on care for mentally "ill" patients. Currently, it projects to see about 80 million passengers annually.

Originally built by the Romans, Bishopsgate stood as oney northern gates into the city of London( of which there were seven), named for its historical association with the Bishop of London, who traditionally held jurisdiction over the area. The area was originally named after the 7th-century Bishop of London, or Bishop's Gate.  It is additionally estimated to be the first, by some historians, of the seven. The actual structure of the gate was built at least three times, and despite being built by the Romans, is true to the 1700s. This is evident in the depictions of the gate.