Bank of England tales: The ghost, giant and heroic sewer worker

Over its three centuries, the institution nicknamed the Old Lady of Threadneedle Street has built up as many stories as there are gold bars in its vaults

When the Bank of England’s 121st governor takes over from Mark Carney next year, he or she will be reminded that the world’s second-oldest central bank is steeped in history.

From funding wars to a buried giant and a roaming ghost, over its three centuries the institution nicknamed the Old Lady of Threadneedle Street has built up as many stories as there are gold bars in the vault.

The BOE’s first job in July 1694, when it opened its doors at rented premises in the Mercer’s Hall in the City of London, was to raise capital for William and Mary’s war against