11-95-40 Ipswich

OUR SITE USES FRAMES TO ACHIEVE A NOSTALGIC LOOK – IF YOU CANNOT SEE A MENU TO THE LEFT OF THIS PAGE, PLEASE CLICK ON THE ‘HOME’ BUTTON ABOVE

Martins Bank 1928+

1957 COA.jpg In the traditional layout of East Anglia - Norfolk Suffolk and Essex - Martins has just seven branches, four in NORWICH, including the University of East Anglia, and one each in KING’S LYNN, COLCHESTER and Ipswich. Martins’ Southern expansion has been in full flow since the late 1930s, but a significant number of new branches have been opened in the Midlands, Southern England, the South West and the South east. Sadly the Bank’s representation in East Anglia will not grow before the merger with Barclays, and so the Bank’s branches here are but little outposts of the Martins Empire, each manned by a small, dedicated staff.

The framework is built for Martins Bank’s new Branch in Ipswich.

Image © Martins Bank Archive Collections

In Service: 1957 until 12 December 1969

Image © Martins Bank Archive collections – Dave Baldwin 2024

East Anglia.jpg Ipswich Branch is opened in 1939 in what are intended to be temporary premises at 11 Buttermarket. The Bank has its eye on a site across the way at number 6. In a situation not helped by the Second World War and its economic aftermath, Martins Bank actually occupies 11 buttermarket for eighteen years! You can meet the staff of the original branch on our page for IPSWICH 11 BUTTERMARKET, where you can also read about the only visit made to Ipswich by Martins Bank Magazine. As for the eagerly awaited Branch at No 6 Buttermarket – it lasts only 12 years, closing just a few days before the merger in 1969 with the Business transferred to Barclays’ Branch at Princes Street. We are still looking for period images of both Ipswich Branches.

If you can help with images and/or information about this or any of Martins Bank’s other branches, please do get in touch with us at the usual address martinsbankarchive@btinternet.com. The newsprint-style image on this page (above, left) is from the personal collection of the late Margaret Perks, who started her career at Ipswich in July 1940. She went on to achieve one of the highest roles for a woman in Martins Bank when she was promoted to the Appointed Staff, become Trust Controller at London West end Trustee Office. Under Barclays, Margaret continued to play a significant role throughout the 1970s.