The Customs House' ? In 1817 a new Customs House building, designed by Laing, was opened, replacing the old one which had been destroyed by fire. Standing on the original site adjoining Billingsgate, the Portland Stone frontage was an imposing sight. The foundations, however, proved inadequate and the central component had to be rebuilt under the direction of Sir Robert Smirke. This was opened in 1828, the year of Samuel Owen's drawing, and stood intact until it was badly damaged during the Second World War, after which much of the building had to be renewed. (Engraved by William Bernard Cooke for his book 'A Picturesque Tour of The Thames' published in 1828)