Britain’s oldest bank, Child & Co at 1 Fleet Street since 1673, said to have inspired Charles Dickens as the template for Tellson’s Bank in A Tale of Two Cities, is to close. Today, those 349 years count for nothing. The private bank now owned by NatWest, claim ‘fewer people are going into the branch’ as customers shift to online and mobile services. They have a point, but it’s a question of the chicken or the egg. When a branch shuts, most customers are forced into banking online. They have no choice.
CabbieBlog 
Never heard of C. Hoare & Co then ? Been going since 1672, still on Fleet Street and still private.
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I have never banked online. My account is still held at an HSBC branch in the City of London, and I use the local HSBC branch in Dereham to conduct any banking needs.
My wife worked for Natwest in London for many years, then in Dereham from 2012 until 2018. She was made redundant, as her role was considered to be ‘no longer necessary’. The branch is still open, and someone is doing exactly what she used to do, with a different job title and half the salary.
Cheers, Pete.
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You wife’s treatment by her employer is a well worn route taken by many of us. Thanks for your comment.
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It’s like the High Street … shops are disappearing because people buy things online. I suppose it’s the convenience of being able to shop and do your banking from your own home.
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Yes, I suppose the rich can transfer funds whilst lounging in their yachts.
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proper sad
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Yes another slice of London’s history disappearing. Thanks for the comment.
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Such a shame. Couldn’t they make it part banking museum and keep it there?
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That’s a great idea.
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