History of Number 7 High Street

The above premises, until recently the Natwest bank, were built on the site of the old Messrs Stephens, Blandy & Co bank in 1893 - they would also occupy the new building. The work of demolishing the old bank and constructing the replacement was that of Marlow builders Lovell's. Demolition started in August 1892 and the new build opened its doors for business in April 1893. While it was closed, a temporary office was opened at Mrs Browns next door (Market Square side, former Halifax building, a bakers) which must have been a tight squeeze. The premises on the other side was occupied by Mr Wellicome the antiques dealer. 

 Messrs Stephens, Blandy & Co arrived in Marlow in 1863, and underwent some minor name tweaking over the years. In 1864 they attended Marlow on one day a week from 1-3pm only, using the offices of Mr Rolls near to what would become their own premises. A clerk from the  Maidenhead branch was sent out to conduct any banking business here. (In 1883 they were officially Messrs Stephens, Blandy, Barnell & Co which is not the snappiest name! Later a Butler was added to the name list)

The new building was erected in an era when it was not unusual for a bank manager to be required to live on the premises. So the upper floor was devoted to domestic purposes. The room at the front with the "ornamental gablet" was a handsome and spacious drawing room, while the front bedroom was above the door opening to the High Street. On the ground floor were cashiers offices behind the big square windows, and an office for the manager in addition. 

The bank hours were not long. In 1883 they were 11-3 Monday to Saturday with early closing at 1pm on Tuesdays. There was no Sunday opening of course.

Blandys was a Reading based banking firm with branches in Maidenhead and Bracknell too. They amalgamated with Lloyds Bank in 1899 and continued to operate a branch in Marlow. 

Before the Blandy's arrived at this location, it was the site of the Wyatt's stagecoach booking office - you can read the full story here. Earlier banking facilities tended to be offered or organised by solicitors but it was also a sideline for some successful tradesmen such as linen drapers Samuel Wilkinson and Joseph Burrough. This pair offered banking facilities at the end of the 18th and very early 19th centuries before their bankruptcy. They were of High Wycombe and Marlow.  

Written and researched by Kathryn Day with additional research by Charlotte Day.

 To find other posts about the history of a specific building see the post index here

And for content about everyday life in old Marlow see here

History of the Lovell builders here

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