11-52-30 Liverpool East

Martins Bank’s Branch at 1 Prescot Street Liverpool 7 is known simply (and perhaps somewhat confusingly to those outside the North West) as “East” Branch. Opened in April 1885 by the Bank of Liverpool, it survives for more than 100 years before being closed. The ornate tower can be seen from quite a distance in this part of the City, and this lovely image of East Branch is taken probably in the late 1930s or early 1940s.

1964 Used Chq Strawsons Ltd Blanked by MBA

This customised cheque from East Branch, is a really good example of the personalised stationery that many of Martins Bank’s business customers can choose. The customer pays a small extra charge for this service, but they are then able to show off their branding (and of course that of the Bank) to everyone to whom a cheque is payable – a great way to advertise, in fact. We are grateful to Martins Staff Member Irene Briggs, who as Irene Lloyd joined the bank in April 1968 for the example further down this page of a personalised cheque for Liverpool East Branch. It also bears an encoded line, heralding Martins Bank’s move into computerisation.

In Service: April 1885 until 13 November 1992

Image © Barclays Ref 0030-1667

For our Liverpool East feature, Martins Bank Magazine takes us to the farewell gathering of Mr Gorst, who has clocked up an amazing forty-three years’ service with the Bank. He is loved and respected by staff and customers alike, and he is honoured by the presentation of a gold watch…

1965 04 MBM.jpg 1961 to 1965 Mr E T Gorst Manager MBM-Wi65P52.jpg nearly seventy past and present members of the staff with several customers met at East branch, Liverpool, on September 30 when Mr I. Buchanan presented a gold watch to Mr Gorst on his retirement and, speaking of his friendly and helpful nature, the basis of his success as a branch manager, thanked him for his loyal service. After Mrs Gorst had been handed a bouquet by Mrs Sheila Royds, Mr Gorst thanked his friends for their gift. He had enjoyed every minute of his career which had rewarded him with many friendships inside and outside the Bank and for this reason his retirement was tinged with sadness. With formalities over, Mr and Mrs Gorst entertained their guests to a buffet meal.

Image © Martins Bank Archive Collections

A week earlier the branch had been the scene of a party at which many of Mr Gorst’s customers had presented him with a silver cigarette box and a cheque. After entering the Bank at Water Street in 1922 Mr Gorst served at several Liverpool District branches and in Trustee Department before joining the visiting inspectors in 1946.

He was appointed manager at Garston in 1950 and at East branch in 1961. He will be remembered for his work as Hon. General Secretary of the Staff Association from 1948-50, and for his encouragement and training of young staff.



*Mr L F Ellis* *Joined the Bank Here* *1903*	*Mr H J Ashcroft* *On the Staff* *1906 to 1911*	*Mr T A Grimes* *On the staff* *1912 to 1929*	*Mr A E Pearson* *On the Staff* *1916*	*Mr W E Worrall* *Joined the Bank Here* *1916 to 1923*	*Mr G H M Clayton* *Joined the Bank Here* *1931 to 1935*



*Mr W R Gordon* *On the Staff* *1932 to 1933*	*Mr T A Samuel* *Pro Manager* *1934 to 1935*	*Mr H F Smith* *On the staff* *1938 to 1948*	*Mr C F Morris* *Joined the Bank Here* *1941 to 1942*	*Mr L Manslow* *Joined the Bank here* *1943 to 1944*	*Mr A M Lee* *Joined the Bank Here* *1944 to 1945*



*Mr J E Deyes* *Pro Manager* *1945*	*Mr G K Eaves* *Pro Manager* *1946 to 1948*	*Mr W Roberts* *Manager* *1946 to 1955*	*Mr W C Berkley* *Joined the Bank here* *1947 to 1949*	*Mr R E Carr* *Pro Manager* *1948 to 1948*	*Mr Eric Wylie* *Pro Manager* *1948 to 1953*



*Mr A E Housley* *On The Staff* *1953 to 1955*	*Mr J Lewis* *Manager* *1955 to 1961*	*Mr R P Gordon* *Pro Manager* *1956 to 1957*	*Mr F Dixon* *Pro Manager* *1956 to 1961*	*Mr A Taylor* *Pro Manager* *1958 to 1960*	*Mr R C Webster* *Pro Manager* *1958 to 1964*



*Mr E T Gorst* *Manager* *1961 to 1965*	*Mr J B Hawkins* *Pro Manager* *1961 to 1965*	*Mr J Blair* *Limited Authority* *1961 to 1967*	*Mr R L Couper* *Manager* *1965 onwards*	*Mr W Pearson* *Assistant Manager* *1965 to 1966*	*Miss Linda Cunningham* *Accounts Staff* *1966*



*Mr K E Buxton* *Assistant Manager* *1966 to 1967*	*Mr B Ritchie* *Pro Manager* *1967*	*Mr M L Corrin* *Assistant Manager* *1967*