Bank of England

The Bank of England is the central bank of the United Kingdom, located on Threadneedle Street in the heart of the City of London financial district, hence its informal nickname the Old Lady of Threadneedle Street. Founded in 1694 as a private bank to act as banker to the government, it was nationalised in 1946 and is responsible for monetary policy, financial stability, and the issue of banknotes in England and Wales. The present building, designed by Herbert Baker in the 1920s and 1930s, incorporates the screen walls designed by Sir John Soane in the late 18th century into a larger office complex. The Bank of England Museum is open to the public within the building.