Former National Westminster Bank, Manchester
The former National Westminster Bank building in Spring Gardens, Manchester, stands as a prominent example of Edwardian architectural elegance. Constructed in 1902, originally for Parr's Bank, this structure was designed by Charles Heathcote. It reflects a bold Edwardian Baroque style and has been recognized for its architectural significance as a Grade II* listed building since January 4, 1972.
The building's exterior is crafted from red sandstone and is distinguished by a corner tower topped with a cupola. It features Doric columns that support ornamental brackets rather than structural elements and hooded gables that add to its grandeur. One of the most striking features of the bank is its vast plate glass windows, designed to flood the banking hall with light. These windows include large round-headed panes filling the width of each bay, with molded heads, scrolled keystones, and plate-glass glazing adorned with enriched bronze 'ferramenta'. The design incorporates a horizontal mid-panel, bottom panels with stained glass, and arched upper lights with margin panes.
Internally, the bank's foyer is richly decorated with mahogany paneling, and the main banking hall is lined with walls of green marble, making it one of the most opulent interiors of its time not only in Manchester but also comparable to those in London. The original stained glass and intricate Art Nouveau ironwork on the exterior further enhance its aesthetic and historical value.
As of February 2024, this historical building has taken on a new life as a Browns brasserie and bar, continuing its legacy while serving a modern function in the heart of Manchester.
The building's exterior is crafted from red sandstone and is distinguished by a corner tower topped with a cupola. It features Doric columns that support ornamental brackets rather than structural elements and hooded gables that add to its grandeur. One of the most striking features of the bank is its vast plate glass windows, designed to flood the banking hall with light. These windows include large round-headed panes filling the width of each bay, with molded heads, scrolled keystones, and plate-glass glazing adorned with enriched bronze 'ferramenta'. The design incorporates a horizontal mid-panel, bottom panels with stained glass, and arched upper lights with margin panes.
Internally, the bank's foyer is richly decorated with mahogany paneling, and the main banking hall is lined with walls of green marble, making it one of the most opulent interiors of its time not only in Manchester but also comparable to those in London. The original stained glass and intricate Art Nouveau ironwork on the exterior further enhance its aesthetic and historical value.
As of February 2024, this historical building has taken on a new life as a Browns brasserie and bar, continuing its legacy while serving a modern function in the heart of Manchester.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Manchester. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Former National Westminster Bank on Map
Sight Name: Former National Westminster Bank
Sight Location: Manchester, England (See walking tours in Manchester)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Manchester, England (See walking tours in Manchester)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Manchester, England
Create Your Own Walk in Manchester
Creating your own self-guided walk in Manchester is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Manchester Introduction Walking Tour
The seventh most populated city in England, Manchester is an important cultural, industrial and historic center.
The recorded history of Manchester began with the civilian settlement associated with the Roman fort established circa 79 AD on a sandstone bluff near the confluence of the rivers Medlock and Irwell. Having been a manorial township throughout the Middle Ages, Manchester enjoyed rapid... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
The recorded history of Manchester began with the civilian settlement associated with the Roman fort established circa 79 AD on a sandstone bluff near the confluence of the rivers Medlock and Irwell. Having been a manorial township throughout the Middle Ages, Manchester enjoyed rapid... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
Edwardian Architecture Tour
A product of the Industrial Revolution, Manchester is noted for its warehouses, railway viaducts, cotton mills, and canals, reflecting the most ambitious and exciting phase of the city's history.
During the reign of King Edward VII, which spanned from 1901 to 1910, Manchester experienced a significant boom in architectural development. This period saw a shift towards more ornate and... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
During the reign of King Edward VII, which spanned from 1901 to 1910, Manchester experienced a significant boom in architectural development. This period saw a shift towards more ornate and... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Manchester Historical Architecture Tour
Manchester鈥檚 architecture is rich in styles. Throughout centuries, the city has evolved in phases, each of which left its peculiar imprint on the city's architectural tapestry. Here, you can see medieval red-brick buildings coexisting harmoniously with concrete-and-glass structures from the modern era.
One notable landmark in Manchester is the Statue of Prince Albert, a regal monument... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles
One notable landmark in Manchester is the Statue of Prince Albert, a regal monument... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
Top 10 Cafes and Sweet Shops in Manchester
Heading up Oldham Street from Picadilly Gardens you arrive at The Northern Quarter; the 鈥榗ool鈥� part of Manchester, think Brooklyn, Shoreditch, Le Marais; trendy young things with fancy haircuts frequent the coffee houses, boutique and vintage shops during the day and the bars once night-time...