The Custody of the Bank of England at Night by His Majesty's Foot Guards. 1901.

For Sale is a Full Page removed from "The Sphere, November 23rd, 1901," showing a Drawing for "The Custody of the Bank of England at Night by His Majesty's Foot Guards."
Artist- Joseph Finnemore.

This picture, showing the Guards entering the Bank of England at night, illustrates the curious government of the Bank of England. The Bank was projected in 1694 by William Paterson, who was a Scotsman, as a joint-stock association with a capital of £1, 200,000, which was lent at eight per cent, to the Government of William and Mary. The Bank therefore atarted as a servant of the Government and has retained this character throughout its career.  It manages the National Debt, holds the deposits of the Government, and helps in the collection of the public revenue.  The Guards (who sometimes march to the Bank by the Embankment and sometimes go by train) are on duty from seven o'clock at night to seven in the morning, and there are seven sentries on duty inside the building at the same time, each for an hour.  The men get 1s. per night and the non-commissioned officers 2c. 6d.  The commissioned Officer is entertained to dinner at the expense of the Bank and the men are also catered for.

Condition is Very Good.