11-50-00 Bedlington

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Martins Bank’s branch at Bedlington comes from the huge portfolio of branches inherited when the North Eastern Banking Company and the Bank of Liverpool amalgamate in 1914. When opened in 1875, Bedlington Branch receives a short mention like this one, in the local Newspaper…

Morpeth Herald 12 June 1875

Images © Martins Bank Archive Collections

In service: 8 June 1875 – 27 November 2009

Image © Barclays Ref 0030-0145

In the twenty-first Century, it does seem a little strange that a Bank manager could also be the manufacturer of nails and chains! The 1914 merger alone, will turn the North East into Martins’ largest English district, with comprehensive coverage of the area by more than 150 branches. Bedlington Branch really looks the part in this late nineteenth century building, which oozes character and a sense of security over the money and possessions of the local business and personal customers.

Bedlington Branch, which is opened by the North Eastern Banking Company in June 1875, is one of Martins Bank’s longer serving Branch buildings, having been continually in use as a Bank for more than 130 years by the time it closed permanently in 2009.

1965 Bedlington Staff MBM-Au65P13.jpg Bedlington is one of the “As and Bs in Northumberland” featured in Martins Bank Magazine of Autumn 1965 yet sadly – for those of us who would like to know more about this part of the world - it receives the same treatment as the rest of the branches visited: Very little is actually written about any of the branches that are visited on this particular whistle-stop tour of Northumberland. So, we’ll just have to make the most of it…

1965 03 MBM.jpg Bedlington is a coal town but its old-fashioned tree-lined main street, with lawns and flowerbeds, makes this hard to believe. However, the pits are all around. Our quaint but striking branch is well worth a visit and is a scheduled building. Mr R T Bilton, the manager, who is a native of the area has a real affection for the town and, rightly we think, would like to see its charm and individuality preserved



*Mr J H Ritson* *On the Staff* *1918 to 1925*	Mr G A Welsh *Joined the Bank Here* *1923*	Mr C B Bradbury *Joined the Bank Here* *1938 to 1939*	Mr J R W Burnett *Joined the Bank Here* *1939 to 1941*	*Mr R C Hall* *Manager* *1939 to 1952*	Mr B G Robson *On the Staff* *1952 to 1952*



Mr R L Bilton *Manager* *1952 to 1968*	Mr A A McLean *On the Staff* *1962 to 1964*	*Miss J Rhodes* *On the Staff* *1965*	Mr A A Ashcroft *On the Staff* *1965*	Mr R P Mitchell *Relief Staff* *1965*	*Mr M A Charlton* *Manager* *1968 onwards*