I read about the celebrations at Barclays Bank (The Argus, August 9) to mark its 200 years of banking in the city but, by my reckoning, they are about 90 years too early.
In 1805, five wealthy men, each contributing £400, set up the Brighton Union Bank, which - unlike other Brighton banks set up around this time - never failed.
The five were: William Golding, James Browne, Nathaniel Hall (Portslade), Richard Lashmar (Brighton) and Thomas West (Brighton).
John and Eardley Hall, John H Borrer and Carr Lloyd were other eminent local men who became partners at various times.
In 1894, the bank amalgamated with the London bank of Barclay, Bevan & Co to become Barclay & Co.
In 1896, Barclay & Co further amalgamated with Lewes Old Bank and many others, becoming a public limited company that year.
-Laurie Keen, Hove
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