|
This is the THIRD Harpurhey Branch in the history of
the banks that built the modern day Martins Bank. Originally the Lancashire and Yorkshire
Bank operated from 148 Rochdale Road. In 1928 the newly created Martins Bank
moved Harpurhey Branch along a bit to 176 Rochdale Road, and again in 1952 to
778 Rochdale Road where it remained until being closed by Barclays Bank in
1973. This lovely photo is a nice slice of the 1960s, and enables us to
identify 778 Rochdale Road.
|
In Service: 1952 until 23 March 1973
Image © Barclays Ref 0030-1810
|
|
 There
is also of course, the the lovely old phone box, and a chance to look at the
shop next door, making this a rare view of Manchester from what is now
another time altogether. Today a 24-hour ASDA® stands on this particular
spot, and that is about as romantic as the local scenery will allow in the
Tweny-First Century... Situated (apparently) “a stone’s throw from Boggart
Hole Clough”, Martins Bank’s Harpurhey Branch boasts no frills, and decades
of dark Satanic smoke have added layers of strength and character to this one
impressive corner aspect building. Underneath, the brickwork just about
supports a Branch whose days are cleary numbered, and in its Autumn 1967
issue, Martins Bank Magazine embarks on a tour of Branches in what are then
some of the most deprived areas of Manchester. Many of these buildings are
due for demolition or re-development, in particular those that dare to lie on
the route of the Mancunian Way…
Just for once, “It’s grim up North” is a stereotype that actually
does fit the bill here – the branch itself for example, could do with a
loving and meticulous removal of all that soot and grime - and although Harpurhey is not visited with
that well worn phrase in mind, readers are left in no doubt of the many
challenges faced by those who work there.
It neatly knocks on the head the generalisation that people who work
in banks are somehow privileged. You
can read more about the branches which were deemd to be in their death
throes, by visiting – CORNBROOK, HULME, MOSS SIDE, FALLOWFIELD, MILES PLATTING, COLLYHURST and also QUEEN’S PARK, whose page has the only colour interior photo of a
Manchester Branch.
 Harpurhey
Branch is positively  impressive and could house a
staff of twelve – the staff of some of our older Midlands offices would envy
its height and depth. Beyond the
branch lies a gem of parkland named most unfortunately, Boggart Hole Clough.
Only behind the Rochdale Road façade does one sense the fate which awaits
this area: row upon row of old, two-storey terraced houses with front doors
opening onto the flagged pavements; ‘the little shop’ on every corner – bread
paraffin, aspirins or off-licence; the occasional dismal works or factory
with a Jag or two tucked in alongside the delivery vans and diesel lorries.
The realisation that these places were the outcome of the industrial
revolution and that in modern times people expect somewhere better to work
and live. One of our most vivid
recollections of Harpurhey is that despite the squalor, many of the doorsteps
were freshly ‘stoned’ and most of the house curtains were clean. There are standards here to be observed,
learned and handed on – a sort of fierce pride born of adversity. To be born and bred in these areas and even
to work in them is to learn how to make the most of very little, to
understand more fully one’s fellow men and women, and above all to develop
gumption.
|
