The depth of all four sizes of safe was 19 inches,
the variance in safe size being provided by differing heights and widths as detailed in the accompanying tables.

 

These tables were published regularly in the Bank's Annual Reports, the examples shown here reflecting the years in which revised rentals were instituted.

 

The date of the first table is  1934:
      A (3,840 safes): 5/- = 25 pence
      B (320 safes): 10/- = 50 pence
      C (320 safes): 15/- = 75 pence
      D (160 safes): 20/- = £1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The date of the second table is 1947, when the
original 4,640 safes had been increased by the addition of 5,888 to provide a total of 10,528.
At this date, all 320 Class C safes were rented, so
they are not listed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The third table is dated 1953. The rentals have not been increased, but there are Class C safes available.
      A (8,960 safes): 7/6 = 37½ pence
      B (832 safes): 15/- = 75 pence
      C (320 safes): 22/6 = £1.12½
      D (416 safes): 30/- = £1.50

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The fourth table is dated 1958
      A (8,960 safes): 10/- = 50 pence
      B (832 safes): 20/- = £1.00
      C (320 safes): 30/- = £1.50
      D (416 safes): 40/- = £2.00

 

These increased rentals applied from January 1st 1958. The imposition of a £2 charge for the Class D safes meant that any receipts issued for the payment of the rent required a 2d stamp to be affixed thereon. All receipts for sums of £2 and over required the payment of this 'stamp duty' - this form of tax was abolished as part of the decimalisation of the currency in 1971.

 

 

 

Rental rates were also increased in 1968, probably to the

amounts shown in this advertisement after Decimalisation of the currency in 1971.
      A: 75 pence (15/-)
      B: £1.25 (£1. 5s. 0d.)
      C: £1.75 (£1. 15s. 0d.)

      D: £2.50 (£2. 10s. 0d.)

 

Later, with over 10,000 safes let (out of a total of 10,528),

annual rents were increased significantly.