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Author Topic: London building societies  (Read 1054 times)

Offline Vendee

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London building societies
« on: Saturday 20 April 19 13:58 BST (UK) »
My mother in law passed away a couple of months ago and we have been sorting through her stuff. We found a photo album that no one had seen before and its so sad because we would have loved to know a bit more about her earlier life but its too late now.

There are a couple of photos of her working in an office with other girls around 1957. She lived in Battersea London and we had been told that she worked in a building society. There was a "congratulations on the birth of your son" card which had been signed by the girls at the WPBS. I'm sure that is the WP building society and the "P" is probably "Provident" but we would love to know who she actually worked for. He surviving sister seemed to think she worked for the Bayswater Building Society but that doesn't tie in with the "WPBS". Perhaps the branch was in Bayswater?

Does anyone know what WPBS was in the late 1950's?

Thanks

Offline rosie99

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Re: London building societies
« Reply #1 on: Saturday 20 April 19 14:54 BST (UK) »
Have you seen this list of mergers and name changes for Building societies
https://www.bsa.org.uk/BSA/files/92/929551d7-df58-4495-ac6b-3b034d2c1c0f.pdf
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Offline arthurk

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Re: London building societies
« Reply #2 on: Saturday 20 April 19 16:02 BST (UK) »
I've found a similar list, and on looking through it I think the most likely would be Westbourne Park Building Society.

From the Victoria County History (British History Online) at https://www.british-history.ac.uk/vch/middx/vol9/pp221-226
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Westbourne Park building society, founded in 1885, moved to Porchester Road in 1889 and Westbourne Terrace in 1899. Adjoining buildings were acquired and in 1932 opened as new offices called Westbourne House. The society merged with the Leek & Moorlands building society to form the Leek & Westbourne in 1965, opened new premises in Queensway in 1972, and later became part of the Britannia building society.

Offline JJen

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Re: London building societies
« Reply #3 on: Saturday 20 April 19 16:17 BST (UK) »
Westbourne Park Building Society appears to be most likely the correct building society.

In 1951 Westbourne Park Building Society address is Westbourne Grove, London W2. That road is now recorded as Westbourne Grove, Bayswater, City of Westminster, London W2.

Well found arthurk  :)

JJ

Offline Vendee

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Re: London building societies
« Reply #4 on: Saturday 20 April 19 21:25 BST (UK) »
Well thank you to everyone who helped but a big shout out to arthurk.... you are a star. It all fits.  :)
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