49-50 Fleet Street was built in 1913 for two purposes, the main one being a branch of the Norwich Union and the other as a gateway to Serjeants' Inn, the former habitat of an ancient species of lawyer that became extinct in Victorian times. The architect was Jack McMullen Brooks.
The sculpture in the central arch, by A. Stanley Young, reflects the dual purpose of the building by including figures of Prudence on the side next to the Norwich Union's front door and Justice on the side next to the arch into Serjeants' Inn. Between them, Liberality holds a cornucopia pouring out money and fruit. Prudence is a matronly figure wearing a bonnet and holding a branch of laurel. Her lap is full of fruit, presumably from Liberality's bounty. A shield leans against her. Young falls into the usual error of portraying Justice as blindfolded.
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