But will it make me poorer?

Sunday column

In 1835 the British Government borrowed some money. Rather a lot, in fact: £20 million. About 40% of the Treasury's annual income. 5 percent of their GDP. Much obliged, Messrs Nathan Mayer Rothschild and Moses Montefiore, where do we sign and might one borrow your quill?

Five years ago they finally paid it off and HM Treasury thought it might make a nice…