Public finances were weak in 1688. A loan of £1.2million was made to the government and subscribers paid 8% per annum interest.
The Bank moved to Threadneedle Street in 1734. The first governor was John Houblon, a French Protestant of Huguenot descent!
In 1788 Sir John Soane built a three and a half acre Bank behind the still existing wall.
It is the second oldest central bank in the world, established to act as bank to the government.
In 1884 it was granted the monopoly on producing banknotes tied to the Banks gold reserves.
The 'old lady' of Threadneedle Street is said to be the ghost of Sarah Whitehead (the Black Nun) that haunts the banks garden. Its nickname also comes from a famous cartoon from 1797.
The bank was rebuilt by Herbert Baker in the 1920s, and it survived bombing in the Blitz.
In 1997 the Government gave the Bank the responsibility of setting interest rates.
Bank of England Museum, within the Bank in Bartholemew Lane (entrance is free)
Traces the history of the Bank, coins and banknotes, pikes and muskets used to defend the bank and a genuine gold bar that can be handled!
There is also an app giving a virtual tour
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