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Old Lady

Candlefocus Editor

The Old Lady of Threadneedle Street is a nickname for the Bank of England. With a long and rich history, the nickname originated from a satirical cartoon that was published in 1797. The cartoon depicted a disgruntled elderly woman being spurned by a drunken soldier, representing the Restriction Act of 1797. This cartoon shifted the blame from the government to the Bank of England, which was symbolized by an old woman carrying a sausage of gold.

By the 19th century, the image of the Old Lady of Threadneedle Street began to pervade popular culture. She became a symbol of the Bank of England and the apparent indifference exhibited by it towards the general public. This notion was primarily expressed by satirical cartoons which appeared in newspapers, magazines and books.

Today, the Old Lady of Threadneedle Street continues to represent the Bank of England. In fact, the Bank's official website refers to it as an “iconic figure” which “continues to grace publications and cartoons to the present day”. In the modern world, the Old Lady remains a symbolic representation of stability and resilience in the UK economy. She continues to be represented in popular culture, often seen as a stern figure overseeing the daily work of the bank.

The Old Lady of Threadneedle Street has a long and complex history. She has also become a tribute to the Bank of England's resilience and longevity. Despite the turbulent times that the Bank of England has been through, the Old Lady has withstood the test of time, still evoking the image of a resilient and strong institution. Her representation in popular culture is a testament to the Bank's standing in society and its continuing importance to the British economy.

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