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Another “palace” at the street
corner, and another branch acquired through the merger of the Bank of
Liverpool and Martins and the Lancashire and Yorkshire Bank, No1 Yorkshire
Street Rochdale becomes Martins Bank’s main branch in the Rochdale area. There is also a self accounting sub-branch
at Buersil and a sub-branch at Smallbridge. Somewhere between being built in 1875
and 1964, the tower atop Rochdale branch seems to have been removed (see
“What happened to the tower?” below).
If you know why, why not get in touch with us at the usual address martinsbankarchive@btinternet.com. The feature pages for many of the branches on this
site would benefit greatly from memories and images of the buildings and staff
of Martins Bank. The period 1950-1969 will still be within in living memory
for many of the staff and former customers of the bank, and we never cease to
be amazed by some of the memories and photographs that have already been sent
to us. |
In Service:
1875 until 18 April 2024 X Image
circa 1940 © Barclays Ref 0030-2450 |
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Image: 1922 W N Townson Bequest |
Image: 1964 Martins Bank Archive collections |
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What
happened to the tower? A
distinctly different rooftop in 1964 begs the question – where has the tower
gone? Comparing the various roof points on this
building might lead us to conclude war time damage and some extensive
rebuilding “up top”… Martins bank’s Managers
are known for lengths of service that seem almost inconceivable in today’s
employment market. At Rochdale Branch in 1953, Mr Cooper is about to retire
after forty-four years, and as usual, Martins Bank Magazine is there to mark
the occasion… After a banking career of more than 44 years, Mr O A Cooper
retired from the managership of Rochdale Branch on August 31st . Commencing
his banking career in 1909 as a junior at the Rochdale branch of the
Lancashire and Yorkshire Bank, he rounded it off as Manager, thus achieving
the honour of finishing on the highest rung of the ladder at the office in
which he started. Not all his career
was spent at Rochdale Branch. In 1936
he was transferred to Manchester District Office, and in 1946 he was
appointed to the managership of St Ann’s Square, relinquishing it in 1947 to
become Manager at Rochdale. |
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Images © Barclays Ref 0030/2450 On the eve of his retirement Mr Cooper entertained
his staff and a number of former colleagues to dinner in the Masonic Assembly
Rooms. Mr Cooper is a prominent Freemason, being a Past Provincial Grand
Officer in Craft Masonry, a Founder and Past Master of Roch Valley Lodge and
a founder of Fabric Mark Lodge. Music
and sport are among his other interests, but indifferent health has compelled
him to give up some of his former pursuits, though he still remains active in
Masonic circles. At the dinner, Mr Duncan, Assistant Manager, made the
presentation of a gold wrist watch and cheque, and, calling upon his long
association with Mr Cooper, delighted all present with some amusing anecdotes
of earlier days. Mr H S Mellor,
Manchester District Inspector, expressed the hope that Mr Copper would have a
long and happy retirement, and, as one batchelor to another, offered him
sxome good advice. This expression of
good wishes was seconded by Mr S M Lee, Manager at Dewsbury. In reply, Mr Cooper expressed his thanks to
Mr H Lowe, and Mr W Townsend, who had assisted him in the arrangements for
the evening. mr W Beswick, who suceeds
Mr Cooper at Rochdale, expressed the thanks of all present for the evening’s
hospitality, and on their behalf wished him god-speed, good health and good
fortune in the years that lie ahead. |
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