With expectations running high of a cut in interest rates on Thursday that will take Bank Rate down to its lowest level since Mervyn King was a prince, we've already made history as the 10-year gilt yield hits a 30-year low of 3.67%.

Just to equip you for Thursday's cut, a 100bp reduction from 3% to 2% would take Bank Rate to a level that has often been matched, but never beaten.

In fact, if you want some pointers for your office Christmas party pub quiz (we're guessing that a team outing to Claridge's is off this year), then have a look at these factoids:

• The last time Bank Rate was 2% was November 1951, when it was increased to 2.5%
• At that time, Bank Rate had remained unchanged at 2% since October 1939 - fully 12 years with no change in interest rates!
• 2% was a common rate throughout the second half of the 19th century, when rates often oscillated between 2% and 5% (and sometimes 6%).
• The first time interest rates went as low as 2% was in April 1852

• When the Bank of England was established in 1694, the first interest rate was 6%

12.05 Libor update: 3-month sterling Libor now at 3.88125%, so the premium over Bank Rate continues to edge lower...