The 'Old Lady of Threadneedle Street' is the national bank of the United Kingdom. The national gold reserves are kept in its vaults. The Bank of England was incorporated by Royal charter in 1694 as in order to finance the war against Louis XIV of France, and was brought under government control only in 1946. The majestic building which it occupies was designed by Sir John Soane, and was built between 1788 and 1833, although it was completely rebuilt between 1924 and 1939. Admission is free.