Smithford Street (inc. Ram Bridge)

Which bank is that?

Is there anyone brave enough to say why there isn't a Number 1 Smithford Street?? I haven't shopped it out either

It's the same again for the 1937 directory. Smithford Street South side does indeed go up to number 37 where it meets Fleet Street but number 1 is not listed.

The National & Provincial, obviously:

Wouldn't the NPB be 1-2 Smithford Street, if Smithford Street still existed? 2016 is the year the NPB ceased to exist, it continued as a dormant company after National Provincial bank merged with Westminster Bank.

No.2 may have been James Walker which although facing Hertford Street may have retained a Smithford Street address.

So . . . "the bank" was actually at no.2, Coventry Arms at no.1, but . . . The 1937 P.O. Telephone Directory (around the time of the photo) lists the bank as being at 24 Broadgate, the address which is still carries to this day Thus, in the photo, the bank (and the lamppost) were not then in Smithford Street

Hi, here's another bit of directory information. Does this prove that addresses changed to suit the prevailing circumstances? It would appear that the NPB has been moved from one address to another.

From Leamington Spa Courier 1865, this bank obviously thought they were going to number 1!

Did the bank close or could you have a glass with your transaction?

This may be the world's most stupid question, for this forum, but was the City Arcade purpose built for shops, or was it a former grand entrance, with maybe stables or offices for the barracks?

Not a stupid question at all. It was purpose built for shopping in the early 1930s and bore only a superficial resemblance to the former artillery barracks whose entrance was in a slightly different location and orientation.

Thanks - on both counts!

Some new imagery to me appearing on FB.

Great pictures Neil! Here is my effort on the blog