Front elevation of Globe House, 4 Temple Place, Temple. An eight-storey office building built in 1933 as Electra House, former headquarters of Cable and Wireless Ltd. It was partially destroyed by a V1 flying bomb in 1944. It was totally rebuilt in 1999 as the headquarters of British American Tobacco. Next door is Astor House, 2 Temple Place, Temple. Built entirely of Portland stone in 1895, for wealthy American businessman William Waldorf Astor. Designed by John Loughborough Pearson, the two-storey building with an additional basement level, has a five-window range with oriel bays. Carved gargoyles and grotesques can be seen, sculpted by Nathaniel Hitch. Decorative railings designed by J. Starkie Gardner are in front of the building and are Grade II* listed, listing number 1066232. There are flagpoles on the roof and a weather vane topped by a sailing ship can be seen. It is believed this is a representation of the Santa Maria ship used by Christopher Columbus on his first voyage to America. Astor House is Grade II* listed, listing number 1234514. The building today is known as the Incorporated Accounts Hall, where exhibitions of public works of art are held. There are cars in view, along with parking meters, street lamps, and pedestrians.