The people of Britain who are struggling financially will feel a sense of relief when they catch a glimpse of these amazing hidden treasures. Even with the ongoing financial difficulties, it appears that there is still a significant amount of money stored in the underground vault of the Bank of England in London.
Ever wondered what £197 billion (or $315 billion) worth of gold bullion actually looks like? Chemistry Professor Martyn Poliakoff and videojournalist Brady Haran took a trip to the Bank of England’s vault filled with gold bullion to give us all a sneak peek.
Gold has always been treasured for its everlasting beauty and usefulness that never fades. It is no surprise that throughout history, gold has held immense value as a reliable asset that can withstand the tests of life and time. ~ James Blakely
Gold is a fascinating element that has intrigued me for a while. Its beauty, malleability, and conductivity make it a valuable metal, but what truly sets gold apart is its ability to influence human behavior in peculiar ways. Wealthy individuals seek to possess gold, often exploiting others to mine it and then hoarding it in bank vaults where it sits idly, away from public view.
Recently, videojournalist Brady Haran and chemistry Professor Martyn Poliakoff from the University of Nottingham had the rare opportunity to tour a vault in the Bank of England filled with £156 billion worth of gold bars. The footage they captured sheds light on the mysterious allure of gold and the lengths people go to safeguard it.
Hidden deep below the bustling streets of central London lies a treasure trove beyond your wildest dreams. The Bank of England’s vault is home to a whopping 4,600 tons of precious metal, with a jaw-dropping value of £156 billion. It’s a sight to behold, a true glimpse into the wealth and history housed within those secure walls.
Plentiful treasures: The shelves are filled with stacks of 28lb 24-carat gold bars, a sight to behold. Despite Gordon Brown’s controversial decision to sell off 400 tons of gold at low prices during his time as Chancellor, there is still plenty left. It was estimated that this move cost the country up to £11bn, with Brown only making £2.3bn from the sale between 1999 and 2002.
The 4,600 tons of gold stored in London’s vaults serve as a reassuring reminder of the country’s valuable assets. These concrete-lined vaults display rows of 24-carat gold bars on blue shelves, illuminated by strip lighting. One glance reveals around 15,000 bars or 210 tonnes of pure gold, valued at approximately £3bn.
With an estimated value of around £3 billion, the image showcases an impressive collection of approximately 15,000 bars and 210 tonnes of pure gold. Remnants of the past are still visible in one of the vaults, with 1940s posters adorning the walls from when the room served as a canteen.
The walls of the vaults are bombproof, having been utilized as air raid shelters by bank staff during World War II. The vintage posters depict visions of sunny destinations, luxury cruises, and happier times, providing a nostalgic backdrop to the vast wealth stored within.
Guarded by three-foot long keys, the rooms housing the gold hold deposits from both foreign governments and our own. Each bar bears distinct shapes and markings that indicate its origin and source of wealth.
