News

Old documents uncovered in Welshpool bank refurbishment
24 Mar 2020

There’s a very interesting story associated with our renovation of an old bank in Welshpool - and we feel sure you would like to cheque it out!

The mid-19th Century building in Welshpool is Grade ll Listed, well known to locals as Welshpool Savings Bank and more recently the TSB. While working on the project a cache of documents were discovered dating back more than 100 years.  

The project

We are carrying out a full refurbishment of the building in Severn Street to provide a new base in the town for the charity Kaleidoscope, a charity which has operated for a number of years from the Armoury Building in Brook Street. 

Kaleidoscope offers treatment and support to individuals dealing with substance misuse and their families and has four bases across Powys. It is providing an important service to the area and the local branch was in need of new premises with better facilities. 

During the project, workmen discovered an old bank ledger and posters in an old safe and provision is now being made to display the items in the building for those visiting the charity to look at.

There are several posters with information about opening times, interest rate charges and so on. The ledger dates back to the early 1900s - there really is some fascinating detail and it’s quite amazing to look at the difference in monetary value between then and now!

Nigel Stephens looking inside the bank safe

Nigel Stephens looking at the old bank ledger

It’s been a complete refurbishment and because the building is listed, extra work has been needed to ensure all conditions set by Cadw, the Welsh Government’s Historic Environment Service, have been met. The refurbishment has included a new flooring, electrics, plumbing, external painting and roofing.

As part of the project, a display case has been built in the charity’s reception to display the items found in the safe. A reminder of the importance of the building to the town and a link to the history of the bank which served the community for so many years.