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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. Ipswich starts out in what are intened to be temporary premises, but
ends up occupying them for much longer than intended. Ipswich Branch is opened in 1939 at 11
Buttermarket, but 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, it takes 18 years for the
move to happen! 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. |
In Service: 1957 until 12
December 1969 The framework is built for
Martins Bank’s new Branch in Ipswich. Image – 1956 Margaret Perks Collection |
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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. 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 gutinfo@btinternet.com. The image on this page 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. |
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