Clearing House, Trentham Gardens Ballroom

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Date:1940 - 1945 (c.)

Description:The interior of the Ballroom at Trentham Gardens when it was being used as the Bankers' Clearing House.

Planning for the move of Clearing Banks from the City of London began in 1938, and in February Trentham ballroom and banqueting suite were identified as their emergency base in case of war. The banks moved in on 26 August 1939 and started work two days later, shortly before the start of the Second World War.

The 'Big 5' clearing banks occupied the dance floor: Barclays, Lloyds, Midland, National Provincial and Westmister. Other smaller banks occupied the stage and an outbuilding. The Bank of England were above the kitchen. The vast majority of staff were women who worked very long hours in uncomfortable conditions. After the war the Clearings returned to London in 1946.

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Image courtesy of: Mr Antony Rigby

Donor ref:(55/30096)

Source: Miscellaneous Collection

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