the funds:

Beginning in 1751 the British government consolidated all previous stocks into a single issued called “consols” (consolidated annuities) that paid a fixed 3% return per annum, had no maturity date and that could theoretically be redeemed by the government at any time. These bonds were “sure thing” investments and popular with people of less means.

There were also consols issued that paid four and five percent annuities. Naval annuities, that began to be issued in 1810, also paid a five percent return.