Bank of England Museum

Located in the heart of the financial district, The Bank of England museum tells the transmuted story of the Bank's private enterprise beginnings in the 17th century — to the governing fiscal officialdom that it is today.

The museum explains with modern audio-visual interaction, the everyday money matters such as; interest rates, inflation, the issuing of banknotes and the bank's authority on and contribution to the UK economy. Revealed within the replica of Sir John Soane's 18th-century domed banking hall, is the bank's own collection of pecuniary objects. With some items dating back to the Bank of England's opening day of July 27th 1694.

Artifacts on permanent display include; ledger books, significant documents, silverware, prints and illustrations, portrait paintings, original 17th century banknotes, clerk's quills, the earliest known coins and 19th century photographs. The display of gold, includes Roman and modern gold bars, as well as a gleaming 13kg / 28lb gold bullion which you're invited to handle. The presentation of pikes and muskets tells of the time up until 1971, the bank had it's own military guard posted to protect the bank.


Look out for…

  • The £400,000 13kg / 28 pounds gold bullion which can be handled
  • The £1 million pound note

Did you know?…

  • The monarch's portrait did not appear on Bank of England notes until 1960
  • In 1836 a sewer worker accidentally found his way into the gold vaults of the Bank of England. He alerted the bank and was awarded £800 for his honesty
  • Forgery or counterfeiting of the Bank's notes was a hanging offence from 1696 until 1832

Museum Video

Museum Facilities

Cafe

Audio Guide

Wheelchair Access

Restaurant

Tour Guide

Wifi

Shop

Photography

Venue Hire

All information is drawn from or provided by the museums themselves and every effort is made to ensure it is correct. Please remember to double check opening hours with the venue concerned before making a special visit.