The Old Bank History Timeline
Stuckey’s Bank was established in Langport in the 18th century and grew to be one of the biggest and most trusted country banking groups, whose banknotes were said to have a circulation second only to that of the Bank of England. Somerset folk who were offered Bank of England notes would often reject them, saying “Gie I a Stuckey!”
Brothers George and Samuel Stuckey
own cargo vessels trading between Langport, Bridgwater and other local ports. They have a salt warehouse at Great Bow Wharf, where goods such as timber and coal are unloaded for onward transportation.
The Stuckeys acquire property in Cheapside,
which becomes Bank House (now Bank Chambers).
Thomas Bagehot,
Walter Bagehot’s great grandfather, goes into partnership with the Stuckeys
Samuel Stuckey
starts offering banking services at Bank House as part of his general business
George’s son Vincent
formerly a Treasury official and private secretary to the PM, Pitt the Younger, returns to Langport to join the Bank
The banking business, S & G Stuckey & Co
also known as Langport Bank, is separated from the merchant business of Stuckey & Bagehot. They also take over or establish banks in Bridgwater and Bristol
Thomas Watson Bagehot,
Vincent’s brother in law and Walter Bagehot’s father, becomes a partner in the Bank and acts as managing director for many years
The various Stuckey banking businesses merge to form Stuckey’s Banking Company,
with Vincent as its first Chairman. It is only the second joint stock bank in the country
Another Vincent Stuckey, formerly Vincent Stuckey Wood,
joins the Bank and is soon made a Director. Thomas Watson Bagehot retires due to ill-health
Walter Bagehot gives up his law career in London
to return to Langport and joins the Bank. Soon he becomes Secretary to the Committees of Management in Langport and Bristol
Walter mainly does his bank management work from London
after becoming editor of The Economist following the death of its owner, his father in law, James Wilson
Stuckey’s Bank merges with Parrs Bank,
which is about 5 times bigger. Together they become the 6th largest joint stock bank in England