Brewer's: Old Lady of Threadneedle Street

The Bank of England, situated in Threadneedle Street. So called from a caricature by Gilray, dated 22nd May, 1797, and entitled The Old Lady in Threadneedle Street in Danger. It referred to the temporary stopping of cash payments 26th February, 1797, and one pound bank-notes were issued 4th March the same year.

Source: Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, E. Cobham Brewer, 1894
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