The Old Lady of Threadneedle Street

The Bank of England building stands on Threadneedle Street in the heart of the City of London. The Bank was founded in 1694 as banker to the English government and was responsible for managing the national debt. Since then its importance quickly grew through its responsibilities for the nation's currency and underpinning the banking system, roles it still fulfills today.

The bank moved from its original site to Threadneedle Street in 1734, though the present building is comparatively recent, dating from the early part of last century.

The new building was derided in some quarters as an architectural crime, however these days it has become much more accepted, being a familiar sight on TV news reports.

I was in London just round the corner from Threadneedle Street, so before disappearing down the steps at Bank tube station to start my journey home, I had time to take a quick snap of this famous building in the heart of the city.