Have you ever stopped and wondered what was behind this imposing green door in the centre of Richmond?

It can be found on George Street and is now in the hands of supermarket giant Marks & Spencer.

But once upon a time it was a part of Martins Bank – Britain's oldest and largest independent bank with a head office outside London.

Martins was founded in 1563 by Sir Thomas Gresham, Royal Agent in the Low Countries to Queen Elizabeth.

The group was acquired in 1918 by the Bank of Liverpool and two decades later it opened the branch in Richmond.

Memories of the bank's history have been collected by the website Martins Bank Archive who have kindly shared details with Richmond Nub News.

All 700 branches of Martins Bank transferred hands again when it was bought by Barclays in 1969 (after the competition watchdog blocked a merger between Martins and Lloyds).

Two years later, Barclays moved next door where it remains to this day.

advertisement

Clinton Anderson was sent to Richmond in 1967 and appointed clerk in charge of the new sub-branch at Kew Bridge House.

He told the archive about the staff who worked there:"I was at Richmond from immediately after Christmas 1967 until January 1971.

"During my time he manager was Graham Potter who was well known locally and was a JP (justice of the peace).

"The first chief clerk (I think he may have been titled pro-manager) was Peter Thorogood and he was followed by Don Layzell. Overall, including the sub-branch, there were about 12 staff."

Clinton added: "The branch was at 12 George Street and had a single imposing frontage. After it was closed in 1971/2 the building was taken over by Marks & Spencer next door.

"It must have had a preservation order on it so if you look at Google Maps you can see the old frontage quite clearly in the middle of the M&S façade".

Opening hours for Martins Bank in Richmond were Monday-Friday 10am-3pm and Saturday 9-11.30am.

The branch could be reached by calling 01 940 4991.

advertisement