Proposed additions to the Harborough District Council Local List of Non-Designated Heritage Assets

Former Barclays Bank, High Street, Market Harborough

Ref: MH/012

Construction Date: c. 1898

Architect: Blackwell and Thomson

Original Use: Bank

Current Use: Not in use

Condition: Good

Occupancy: Unoccupied

Ward: Market Harborough – Logan

Reason for Inclusion

Historic Interest

This bank was designed in 1898 as a branch of the Stamford, Spalding and Boston Banking Company. The Stamford, Spalding and Boston Banking Company was established in 1832 and in 1843 it acquired Goddard and Inkersole of Market Harborough (the Harborough bank founded in 1793). In 1911 it was acquired by Barclays Bank. Banks were built in great numbers in the nineteenth century to fuel the economy. The building of a new bank in Market Harborough around the start of the twentieth century reflects the nineteenth century expansion of the town.

Architectural Interest

Designed by John Thomas Blackwell and Howard Henry Thomson, this classical design in stone red brick gives the building prominence in the street. In line with bank design of the period, the front façade is designed to portray confidence, reliability and security. Blackwell and Thomson had offices in Leicester and Kettering. Their design for the 1901 Kettering branch of the Northampton Union Bank (later NatWest) is Grade II listed.

Associative Interest

• Economic history of Market Harborough
• Banking in the town