


Accrington has the honour of being alphabetically first in the long list of
the 1000+ buildings which have been host to Branches of Martins Bank. In 1888
there is much discussion amongst, and a fair degree of conflict between, the
directors of the Lancashire and Yorkshire Bank over plans for expansion. The County Bank has stated its intentions
to open a branch in Accrington, and although there is at first some
opposition amongst the board of the L & Y, they too decide to secure
premises (at Accrington Conservative Club) from which to do business in the
town. In 1903, as part of a later
expansion drive, new premises more suited to the business of the Bank are
built at Accrington. We can see the
new building is seen here as a branch of the Lancashire and Yorkshire Bank in
1922. Sadly a later exterior view with Martins Bank signage is still to be
found.

Accrington Branch only just survives the merger with Barclays,
who close it and move the business to their Union Street Branch in 1972.
Today, the Royal Bank of Scotland has the premises at 119 Blackburn Road. For
our feature, we go back to 1965, and when Manager Mr F J E Cooke retires
towards the end of February, Martins
Bank Magazine reports from the Accrington’s Railway Hotel, where we find that
a large gathering is already tucking in to a buffet lunch…
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In Service: 1889 until 17
September 1971


Image © 1922 Martins
Bank Archive Collections - W N Townson Bequest

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 To
mark Mr Cooke’s retirement after 13 years as Manager of Accrington branch, 21
past and present colleagues, including managers of neighbouring branches, met
at the Railway Hotel, Accrington, on February 25th. After an excellent buffet meal Mr H. Slater spoke of the
happy atmosphere at the branch during Mr Cooke's managership, and on behalf
of subscribers he handed Mr Cooke a cheque which will buy a garden seat for
his new bungalow at Wiswell. Mrs C.
Riley then presented a bouquet to Mrs Cooke and Mr J. Speak (Manchester
District Inspector) expressed the thanks of the Bank and the General
Management. The following day Mr Cooke was entertained to lunch by
his District General Manager, and he and his wife invited the present staff
and close friends to dinner at the Spread Eagle Hotel, Sawley. His career began in the Lancashire and Yorkshire Bank in
1921 and took him to several Manchester District branches before he joined
the Portland Street staff in 1945. A year later he was appointed Pro Manager
and in 1949, after a short spell at District Office, he moved to Bolton
branch as Assistant Manager. His appointment as Manager at Accrington came in
1952.

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