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A Fifth Of The Planet’s Gold Is Hidden Under London

A Fifth Of The Planet’s Gold Is Hidden Under London

In secret vaults.

Matthew Cooper

Matthew Cooper

Quick, let's all plan a heist right now. Like The Hatton Gardens one but better. Why? Because there's a shit tonne of the good stuff under the capital city. According to The Independent a fifth of the world's gold is hidden under London, worth an estimated £172 billion ($248 billion).

The vaults under the Bank of England on Threadneedle Street are said to hold 5,134 tonnes of gold.

This makes up the majority of the 6,256 tonnes kept safe beneath London's streets, according to the BBC.

Britain by no means homes as much gold as other countries but one-fifth of the planet's global stock is an admirable number.

If this all sounds a bit archaic and like something from an action movie (Die Hard With A Vengeance), that's because it is.

Apparently the vaults are still accessed by several three foot long keys.

Security experts think the analogue entry system is safer than electronic access alone, but there are electronic safeguards too. Visitors have to speak a password into a microphone that matches voices to a select few saved samples.

On second thoughts, maybe trying to steal from it is a bad idea, ignore my earlier enthusiasm.

Words by Matthew Cooper

Lead Image Credit: PA

Featured Image Credit:

Topics: Bank, England