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 Martins Bank’s short-lived branch at 50/52 Scotswood
Road, is opened in 1964 as part of the final chapter in the life of the
Bank’s Branches in this part of Newcastle upon Tyne. It all begins with Elswick Branch which is opened in 1896 by the
North Eastern Banking Company. The Branch undergoes several minor changes
of address, being recorded at 303 Scotswood Road until 1911, then 307
Scotswood Road until the amalgamation of the North Eastern Bank with the
Bank of Liverpool in 1914, and from then until February 1964 at 312
Scotswood Road.
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Elswick in 1964 – no longer viable as a Branch of the
Bank
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By the mid 1960s, although Elswick is “on the agenda for treatment”
as Martins Bank Magazine puts it, the years have taken their toll, and
the decision is taken to close the Branch, but not immediately: - At the
start of the 1960s the branch name is changed to Scotswood Road.
In 1964 the building at 312 Scotswood Road is closed, and the business
is moved to a better placed outlet further up Scotswood Road at Nos
50/52. When Barclays and Martins merge, Scotswood Road is no longer
required, and is closed in December 1969.
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We must remember that in 1964, the idea of Martins being merged with
another bank has yet to been mooted. Therefore closing an outdated
building in favour of something new, AND sited a little nearer to
customers, makes good sense…
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Image © Martins Bank Archive
Collection
Advertisement Re-Mastered April 2019
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