Bank of England

The Bank of England on Threadneedle Street is the world's second-oldest central bank — founded in 1694, just 26 years after Sweden's Riksbank. Its nickname "Old Lady of Threadneedle Street" reflects its age and legendary caution. The massive neoclassical building, which has no ground-floor windows for security reasons, was nationalised in 1946 and has served as the model for virtually all modern central banks. It is a Grade I listed building.