To the British Throne,
To the best of Princes, William the Third,
Founder of the Bank,
This Corporation, from a Sense of Gratitude,
Has erected this Statue,
And dedicated it to his Memory,
In the Year of our Lord MDCCXXXIV.
And the first Year of this Building.
Farther backward is another quadrangle, with an arcade on the east and west sides of it; and on the north side is the accomptant’s office, which is 60 feet long, and 28 feet broad. Over this, and the other sides of the quadrangle, are handsome apartments, with a fine staircase adorned with fretwork, and under it are large vaults, that have strong walls and iron gates, for the preservation of the cash. The back entrance from Bartholomew lane is by a grand gateway, which opens into a commodious and spacious court yard for coaches, or waggons, that frequently come loaded with gold and silver bullion; and in the room fronting the gate the transfer office is kept.
The Bank was established by act of Parliament in the year 1693, under the title of The Governor and Company of the Bank of England, in consideration of a loan of 1,200,000l. granted to the government, for which the subscribers received eight per cent. By this charter, the Company are not to borrow under their common seal, unless by act of parliament; they are not to trade, or suffer any person in trust for them to trade in goods or merchandize; but may deal in bills of exchange, in buying or selling bullion, and foreign gold, or silver coin, &c.