Halifax & Huddersfield Union Banking Company records

Scope and Content

Records of Halifax & Huddersfield Union Bank relating to it foundation, operation and take-over by the West Yorkshire Banking Company including:

  • Foundation (1836): deed of settlement;
  • Operation (1837-1910): minutes;
  • Amalgamation (1910-1921): amalgamation agreement and related papers; balance sheets; allotment of shares;
  • General (1836-1862): share certificates.

Administrative / Biographical History

This joint stock bank was formed in 1836 out of private banks John Rawson, William Rawson & Christopher Rawson of Halifax (est. 1811) and John Rawson, William Rawson, Charles Rawson & Co. of Huddersfield (est. 1811). The family continued to play a prominent role, the first five chairmen all being Rawsons.

Between 1886 and 1903, at least seven branches were opened including offices at Sowerby Bridge (1886), Elland (1886), Brighouse (1894), Bradford (1895) and Leeds (1903). In 1910 the bank was taken over by its rival, the Halifax Joint Stock Banking Company (est. 1829) which in 1911 was renamed the West Yorkshire Bank.

Access Information

Access is by appointment only, and at the discretion of the Archivist. An 'Application for Access' form must be completed by researchers prior to their visit. Please e-mail archives@lloydsbanking.com for further details and a copy of the form.

Other Finding Aids

Item level catalogue available - please e-mail archives@lloydsbanking.com for further details.