Bank of England Museum

The museum tells the story of the Bank of England, from its origins in 1694, as a national bank to fund the war with France, to the present. As well as ancient coins and original artwork for British banknotes, the museum offers a rare chance to manhandle a real 13kg gold bar (closely monitored, more's the pity, by CCTV). 'Kenneth Grahame and the Bank of England' is a permanent display commemorating the non-literary career of 'The Wind of Willows' author, who worked at the Bank of England for 30 years. A new display case opened on Mar 30 2009 marks the £10 note's 250th anniversary with its various incarnations over the years. A small display opening April 14 2009, in the 250th year since Handel's death, explores the composer's financial dealings with the bank.