The British Embassy in Beirut: A long history of friendly relations

The British embassy's history in Lebanon dates back to the early twentieth century. A building in the heart of Beirut in Zkak El Blat, a district which was the most active literary and cultural Centre in the second half of the 19th century, and which had previously housed an Algerian leader was the British Embassy in Lebanon from the time of independence in 1943 until the civil war period.

Its first occupier was General (Sir) Edward Spears, the British High Commissioner to the Near East since 1941, when he played a significant role in the independence of both Lebanon and Syria.  The building is now owned by The Islamic Society for the Care of Orphans and functions as their administrative headquarters.

During the civil war the embassy moved to Jal El Dib area in Metn district and remained there till 2002. In 2003 the British Embassy moved to its current location in the busy commercial, financial, and tourist centre in Down Town Beirut neighbouring the Grand Serail.

Other buildings associated with the British Embassy in Lebanon in the past have included a school for the teaching of Arabic in Shemlan and a summer residence for the British Ambassador in Abey. The former was closed in 1976, the latter was sold a few years ago.