Bank of England

Architecture

The bank's first appointed architect was Robert Taylor who expanded the premises in the mid eighteenth century. The large island-like site that we see today was created by architect John Soane. Work started in 1788 and took a lengthy 45 years to complete. In the 1920s there was public outcry when Soane's single storey building was demolished to make way for the current building. The only remaining part of Soane's work that still survives is the 2.5 metre thick perimeter wall.

Today's building was designed by Herbert Baker and constructed in the neoclassical style making the building appears older than it actually is, especially when compared to some of the modern buildings we see in the City today.

Heritage

There is a direct connection between the Bank of England and the transatlantic slave trade. This subject is explored in a number of black history and heritage tours and was also the subject of events at the Bank of England Museum. The profits from the slave trade financed institutions and classical architecture at the Bank of England, Mansion House and Royal Exchange and its important to reflect on how this shaped Britain as we know it today.

Bank of England Museum

Housed within the iconic Neoclassical building, the Bank of England Museum offers a captivating journey through the history of money. Interactive exhibits and historical artifacts bring to life the evolution of finance, from ancient times to the modern era. Visitors can explore vast coin collections, marvel at a real gold bar, and gain insights into the Bank's role in the economy. Free entry makes this museum a must-visit for anyone interested in history, finance, or simply curious about the world of money.

Paranormal activity

It is reputed that the ghost of a woman named Sarah Whitehead haunts the Bank of England and the local area of Threadneedle Street. Sarah's brother, Philip Whitehead worked for the bank from 1797 to 1810. Philip was 'allowed' to resign by the bank after it becames known that he led a somewhat extravagant lifestyle including dabling in the Stock Market. He was executed on 29th January 1812 for fraudulent activity. After Sarah became aware of her brother's death her mental health began to suffer and she started making daily visits to the bank. The Directors of the bank offered Sarah a financial settlement in 1818 on condition that she stopped visiting the premises. Sarah's ghost has become known as 'The Bank Nun' due to the black clothing she wore to morn her brother. The story of Sarah Whitehead, her brother and the ghost has been popularised in literature and theatre many times including the novel 'The Lady in Black' by James Malcolm Rymer.

Address and Contact Details

Address: The Bank of England, Threadneedle Street, London EC2R 8AH
Telephone: 020 3461 4444
Website: Bank of England (opens in new window).

Travel Connections

The Bank of England is situated in the heart of the City of London, offering excellent transport links.

Underground (Tube)

Bank Station is directly adjacent to the Bank of England and is served by the Central, Northern, Waterloo & City, and District and Circle lines (via the Monument interchange).
Distance from Bank Station: Approximately 0-minute walk, as it exits directly into the area.
Monument Station (District and Circle lines) is an interchange with Bank Station.
Distance from Monument Station: Approximately 1-minute walk.
St Paul's Station (Central Line)
Distance from St Paul's Station: Approximately 10-minute walk.
Cannon Street Station (District and Circle lines)
Distance from Cannon Street Station: Approximately 5-minute walk.

DLR (Docklands Light Railway)

Bank DLR Station is directly connected to Bank Underground Station.
Distance from Bank DLR Station: Approximately 4-minute walk.

Bus

Numerous bus routes serve the Bank area. Key bus stops include:

Gracechurch Street / Monument Station (Stop T): Bus routes 17, 21, 40, 133.
Distance: Approximately 2-minute walk.
Fenchurch Street (Stop U): Bus routes 25, 43, 76, 100, 141.
Distance: Approximately 2-minute walk.
Bank Station / King William Street (Stop F): Bus routes 8, 11, 23, 26, 47, 48, 149, 242.
Distance: Approximately 3-minute walk.
Bank Station / Poultry (Stop E): Bus routes 8, 11, 23, 26, 47, 48, 149, 242.
Distance: Approximately 6-minute walk.

Train

Cannon Street Station: Serves Southeastern services.
Distance: Approximately 5-minute walk.
Liverpool Street Station: Serves Abellio Greater Anglia, c2c, and London Overground services.
Distance: Approximately 14-minute walk.
Fenchurch Street Station: Serves c2c services.
Distance: Approximately 7-minute walk.

River Boat

The nearest Thames Clipper piers are London Bridge City Pier and Tower Pier, both approximately a 10-15 minute walk from the Bank of England.

Car

Driving to the Bank of England is generally discouraged due to its central London location within the Congestion Charge Zone and limited parking. There are public "Pay and display" car parks nearby, such as NCP Thames Exchange (Vintry) on Bell Wharf Lane, approximately a 10-minute walk.

Cycling

Cycle routes are available in the area, and there are cycle parking facilities nearby. TfL provides information on the best cycle routes.

Admission

The Bank of England is open to visitors, but with some limitations.
The Bank of England Museum: This is the main part accessible to the public. It's free to enter and offers a fascinating insight into the history of money and the bank's role in the economy.
Guided Tours: These are occasionally offered, allowing visitors to explore parts of the building not normally open to the public. However, these tours are often booked up well in advance.
So, while you can definitely visit the museum, accessing the entire building might require some planning.
Contact details, opening times and Museum information: Visit Bank of England (opens in new window).

Other Places of Interest Within 15 Minutes' Walk:

The Royal Exchange (2 minutes): A magnificent 16th-century building now housing luxury shops, cafes, and restaurants. Historically, it served as London's commercial hub.

Mansion House (2 minutes): The official residence of the Lord Mayor of the City of London, a stunning example of Palladian architecture. Not regularly open to the public but impressive from the outside.

St. Paul's Cathedral (10 minutes): An iconic masterpiece by Sir Christopher Wren, offering breathtaking architecture, a whispering gallery, and crypts. A significant landmark in London's skyline.

Leadenhall Market (5 minutes): A beautiful Victorian covered market with ornate architecture, housing independent boutiques, pubs, and restaurants. Featured in the Harry Potter films as Diagon Alley.

Monument to the Great Fire of London (8 minutes): A towering column commemorating the Great Fire of London in 1666. Visitors can climb the 311 steps for panoramic views of the city.

Sky Garden (10 minutes): London's highest public garden, offering 360-degree views of the city from its landscaped gardens, observation decks, and restaurants/bars. Free entry, but booking in advance is essential.

London Bridge (12 minutes): A historic bridge with various iterations over centuries, offering views of Tower Bridge and the Shard. The area around it is bustling with activity and riverside attractions.

Museum of London (15 minutes): Explores the history of London from prehistoric times to the present day through archaeological finds, social history, and interactive displays. Note: The Museum of London is set to relocate to West Smithfield in the coming years.