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The
Bank of England is the central bank of the United Kingdom and is also
known as the ‘Old Lady' of Threadneedle Street. At the centre
of the UK's financial system it is the job of the bank to promote and
maintain a stable and efficient monetary and financial economy.
It is responsible for issuing bank notes
and setting the interest rate.
Founded in 1694, as the government's banker and debt-manager with a
staff of 17 clerks and 2 gatekeepers it was finally nationalised after
World War II in 1946 and gained operational independence in 1997.
Initially
it operated from Mercer's Hall in Cheapside and over the years
buildings were acquired which covers a three acre site, now surrounded
by the massive stone curtain wall designed by Sir John Soanes.
The
Bank of England Museum tells the story of its foundation in 1694 to the
present day, there are displays of books, ledgers and documents, coins,
banknotes and gold bars. As well as muskets, pikes and revolvers used
to defend the Bank.
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