161 Sherlock Street, Birmingham 5

The Bank purchased land in both Sherlock Street and nearby Bristol Street (for Horse Fair branch) in 1927. Located just south of the city centre, these two streets run as almost parallel links from the city's central area to two of Birmingham's major arterial roads: Pershore Road (A447) and Bristol Road (A38). This was a densely populated area, and examples of the area's back-to-back houses survive nearby, courtesy of the National Trust. Although the land for the branch was purchased in 1927, the office was not formally opened until January 12th 1929, by the Lord Mayor (Alderman W Byng Kenrick). The clearance of slum housing in the 1950s, and the consequent reduction of the area's residential population, resulted in the closure of the branch on May 31st 1960. All remaining open accounts were transferred to Horse Fair branch. Manager: 1929 to 1931 - H E Martin Rubber stamp impression used to 'close-off' Ledger Sheets and Pass Books relating to Sherlock Street branch: Two views of the new premises in January 1929 January 12th 1929: The Lord Mayor performs the branch's official opening ceremony. On his right are the Bank's General Manager (with newspaper) and Alderman H Simpson, a member of the Bank's Committee The crowd assembled for the opening ceremony on January 12th 1929 includes six police officers Branch interior in 1929