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Governors of the Bank of England since 1973

Six people have been Governor of the Bank of England since 1973. Andrew Bailey has held the post since 16 March 2020.

How many6 Governors
As of28 September 2026
SourceBank of England - Former Governors
Memory hook

Three before independence in 1997 (Richardson, Leigh-Pemberton, George) and three after (King, Carney, Bailey).

The full list

Before independence 3

Appointed while the Treasury still set interest rates.

The independent Bank 3

Appointed after May 1997, when the Bank gained operational independence to set interest rates.

Can you name them all?

Test yourself

Questions

How many Governors has the Bank of England had since 1973?

Six people have been Governor of the Bank of England since 1973. Andrew Bailey has held the post since 16 March 2020.

Which Governors are on the list?

Gordon Richardson, Robin Leigh-Pemberton, Eddie George, Mervyn King, Mark Carney and Andrew Bailey.

What is an easy way to remember them?

Three before independence in 1997 (Richardson, Leigh-Pemberton, George) and three after (King, Carney, Bailey).

Who is the Governor of the Bank of England now?

Andrew Bailey, Governor since 16 March 2020.

More lists

UK Prime Ministers since 1945Chancellors of the Exchequer since 1979Chancellors of the Exchequer, 1945 to 1979Chancellors who became Prime MinisterDevolved taxes in Scotland and WalesThe first Monetary Policy CommitteeAll lists

Each name checked against at least two sources, one of them Bank of England - Former Governors, on 28 September 2026. Next review by 28 September 2027.
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