Union Bank of Manchester 1830-70

[FAB Fiona]

Hi

I am looking for information about the Union Bank of Manchester where my ggg grandfather, John Bradbury, worked from at least 1839 to the early 1970s, first as a porter, then a messenger and finally a clerk.  I would like to be able to find references to his working life.

Many thanks

Fiona Bradbury

[Nessie]

Over 130 years working Fiona, must be a record

Joking aside it may be rather difficult as so many banks merged. Your best bet may be the Historical Society or one of the Manchester libraries. I had a search but found nothing of interest only mergers I'm afraid.

[manmack]

fiona,all i can tell you about the bank is that it was still around during ww1,the director was the right honourable lord rochdale,i have a list of all those who worked there when ww1 started who enlisted,mack

[FAB Fiona]

Hi

Many thanks for your help.  I did manage to discover that the Union Bank of Manchester eventually merged with what is now Barclays Bank.  Although not immediately easy, because you're supposed to be a customer, they did forward my online enquiry onto their Group Archives dept - which happens to be in Wythenshawe.  I received the following considerate reply - unfortunately I don't live in the area anymore, but if anybody else is looking for information about the Union Bank...

Dear Fiona,

Your email concerning the records of the Union Bank of anchester and John Bradbury was forwarded to us here at Group Archives.

We hold the records of the Union Bank here, but I am afraid that there is not a lot of material covering the Bank's early history.  We have one file of early job application letters, but John Bradbury does not feature amongst them.  We also hold the Minutes of the Bank's Board of Directors.  Unfortunately, these are not indexed and I am afraid that we do not have the
time to make a search of them for you. 

You are very welcome to visit Barclays Group Archives to make a thorough search of the minutes yourself.  However, please note that visits are by appointment only and a letter of recommendation will be required. 

I am sorry that we could not be of more help, but if you would like to make a visit, do please get back in touch.

Yours sincerely,
Maria Sienkiewicz

Maria Sienkiewicz
Group Archivist
Barclays Group Archives
Dallimore Road
Wythenshawe
Manchester
M23 9JA
t 0161 946 3036

[bursy]

Hi Fiona,

This is an oldie and I don't know if you still require any info.

From the Slaters 1855 Directory

Union Bank of Manchester
Fountain St
Stephen Digby Murray - Manager

and from the same directory
John Bradbury     Clerk     2 Peel Place,  Lwr. Broughton Rd., Salford

Hope this helps
Regards, Dave