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The Leicestershire Banking Company

Granby Street c.1910
  • Its elaborate and rich design was to inspire confidence in its depositors
  • Designed by prominent Leicester architect Joseph Goddard
  • Had fireproof corridors and rooms in the basement for the safe storage of valuables

Former Midland Bank, Granby Street

The Grade II* listed building dates from the early 1870s. It was commissioned by the Leicestershire Banking Company to replace its existing premises in Granby Street, by then ‘totally inadequate for carrying on the increasing business of the bank’. It was designed by the prominent Leicester architect Joseph Goddard in French Gothic Revival style, in striking contrast to the Italianate design of the National Provincial Bank opened nearby a few years earlier. The carved details on the exterior are the work of the local stonemason Samuel Barfield, who was also responsible for the figures on the Clock Tower.

Leicester bank co 02
The impressive building in 2018

What does it tell us about banking in the 19th century?

Banks played a crucial role in the growth of trade and industry in the 19th century, issuing banknotes, transferring payments and providing opportunities for investment. Most were local banks with limited assets, vulnerable to the collapse of businesses to which they had loaned money, or the rumour and panic that caused investors to withdraw their funds. The elaborate design of the Leicestershire Bank, both inside and outside, was intended to inspire confidence in depositors, while fire-proof corridors and rooms with safes in the basement ensured the physical safety of ‘any quantity of valuable property confided to the care of the Company’.

What happened to the building later?

By the end of the 19th century local banks were unable to offer the same levels of security and credit as national concerns, and were faced with losing business or amalgamating with larger institutions. At the turn of the century, despite ‘great regret from a sentimental point of view’, the Leicestershire Bank followed the example of similar banks elsewhere and merged with the London City and Midland Bank. The building itself later became a branch of the Midland Bank, and then of HSBC. After being vacant for some time it was bought by a local family and donated to a Hare Krishna temple.

Timeline
Victorian Leicester
Visitor information
Can be seen from the street

Gallery

Detail of stone carvings on the building -
Detail of stone carvings on the building
Granby Street c.1910 - Leicester and Leicestershire Record Office
Granby Street c.1910
Leicester and Leicestershire Record Office
Cheque circa 1870s - Leicester and Leicestershire Record Office
Cheque circa 1870s
Leicester and Leicestershire Record Office
Granby Street 1903 - Leicester and Leicestershire Record Office
Granby Street 1903
Leicester and Leicestershire Record Office
The ornate brickwork is a key feature of the design -
The ornate brickwork is a key feature of the design
The building in 2018 -
The building in 2018

Roman Leicester

(47- 500) A military fort was erected, attracting traders and a growing civilian community to Leicester (known as Ratae Corieltauvorum to the Romans). The town steadily grew throughout the reign of the Romans.

Medieval Leicester

(500 – 1500) The early years of this period was one of unrest with Saxon, Danes and Norman invaders having their influences over the town. Later, of course, came Richard III and the final battle of the Wars of the Roses was fought on Leicester’s doorstep.

Tudor & Stuart Leicester

(1500 – 1700) The wool trade flourished in Leicester with one local, a former mayor named William Wigston, making his fortune. During the English Civil War a bloody battle was fought as the forces of King Charles I laid siege to the town.

Georgian Leicester

(1700 – 1837) The knitting industry had really stared to take hold and Leicester was fast becoming the main centre of hosiery manufacture in Britain. This new prosperity was reflected throughout the town with broader, paved streets lined with elegant brick buildings and genteel residences.

Victorian Leicester

(1837 – 1901) The industrial revolution had a huge effect on Leicester resulting in the population growing from 40,000 to 212,000 during this period. Many of Leicester's most iconic buildings were erected during this time as wealthy Victorians made their mark on the town.

Edwardian Leicester

(1901 – 1910) Electric trams came to the streets of Leicester and increased literacy among the citizens led to many becoming politicised. The famous 1905 ‘March of the Unemployed to London’ left from Leicester market when 30,000 people came to witness the historic event.

Early 20th Century Leicester

(1910 – 1973) The diverse industrial base meant Leicester was able to cope with the economic challenges of the 1920s and 1930s. New light engineering businesses, such as typewriter and scientific instrument making, complemented the more traditional industries of hosiery and footwear manufacturing.

Modern Leicester

(1973 – present day) Industry was still thriving in the city during the 1970s, with the work opportunities attracting many immigrants from all over the world. While industry has declined in recent years, excellent transport links have made Leicester an attractive centre for many businesses. The City now has much to be proud of including its sporting achievements and the richness of its cultural heritage and diversity.

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A Working Town

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High Street follows a route that existed in Roman times, connecting East Gate to the Forum and Basilica (now Jubilee Square). In medieval times it was known as Forum Porcorum (‘pig market’) or Swinesmarket, but by 1524 had been renamed High Street to reflect its increased importance.
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The Works included many offices, stores and ‘retort’ houses where the coal was heated to make the gas. Production was increased many times over the years to keep up with Leicester’s growing population.
Abbey Pumping Station

This impressive Victorian building is a fitting tribute to the importance of the hygienic disposal of sewage. It is the only engine house in the world where you can still see four working examples of the Woolf compound rotative beam engine in one building.
story of leicester
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