Bank of Westmorland

Today's the day ........................... for the World's local bank

A quick visit to the-hole-in-the-wall today revealed some previously unknown (to me at least) facts about this branch of a well-known bank in Kendal.

Founded on wealth generated by Kendal's textile trade, the Bank of Westmorland began in 1833 and moved to this site in 1835. Designed by Kendal's leading architect, George Webster, the masonry was to be of Kendal Fell limestone 'finished in the finest manner possible'. The bank occupied the ground floor, the manager and his family living above. The lion and its pedestal, constructed in London in artificial stone, were completed in 1840.

After sixty years, the Bank of Westmorland was absorbed by the London and Midland, then in 1992 by HSBC. It is the oldest purpose-built branch in the HSBC network in England and Wales.

So now (thanks to the Kendal Civic Society) - you know too ......................