11-05 London 16 Hanover Square

1928 – this is a very optimistic time for Martins Bank, created following the amalgamation of the Bank of Liverpool and Martins and the Lancashire and Yorkshire Bank. Overnight the Branch Network increases, and overnight, the Bank continues its policy of expansion – opening new branches in towns and cities all over the country. Some are placed into traditionally styled bank buildings, others built from scratch. The attractive premises shown here form the Bank’s original Hanover Square Branch, at No 16, and thanks to the protection of buildings through the listing system, this Grade II property looks much like it will have done when Martins first opened the doors. Our thanks to Dave Baldwin for this contemporary photograph taken in November 2015. By 1934 it’s time for what will be the first of several moves around Hanover Square both for Martins and later Barclays, as business picks up and and the Branch moves to No 5. You can read more about this on our pages for No 5 and No 6 Hanover Square…