Old Bank, Stratford-upon-Avon

The Old Bank in Stratford-upon-Avon is a distinguished example of 19th-century Victorian Gothic architecture amidst the town's predominantly Tudor-style buildings. Constructed in 1883, this robust corner structure showcases the era's architectural elegance through its use of red brick complemented by Gothic elements, including flamboyant arches and friezes. The entrance is notably adorned with marble columns, leading to a stunning mosaic of Shakespeare positioned above the main porch, emphasizing the building's cultural significance in the birthplace of the Bard.

Designed by the architectural firm Harris, Martin, and Harris of Birmingham, the Old Bank was originally built for the Birmingham Banking Company. This institution was the successor to a bank founded in 1810 by Oldaker, Tomes, and Chattaway, which relocated to this site in 1830. The building's history mirrors banking evolution, with Stourbridge and Kidderminster Bank acquired in 1834, later merging into Birmingham Banking Company in 1880. The decision to commission this modern edifice was driven by a desire to reflect the Shakespearean heritage of Stratford-upon-Avon, as evidenced by the Byzantine-style mosaic and the terracotta panels depicting scenes from Shakespeare's plays.

Crafted by sculptor Samuel Barfield of Leicester, these panels are set at the first-floor level and number fifteen in total, each illustrating a different scene from the playwright's oeuvre with accompanying descriptions. This artistic detail not only enhances the building's aesthetic appeal but also serves as a tribute to Shakespeare's enduring legacy.

Today, the Old Bank continues to operate as a branch of HSBC, blending its historical and architectural significance with its functional role in the community.