National Westminster Bank

The National Westminster Bank is a fine example of Wrennaisance style architecture, built with red rubbed English band brick and ashlar dressings. It features a five-bay front with the central three bays slightly advanced. The building has a balustraded parapet adorned with urn-like finials, a sunk panelled brick parapet below, and a corniced capping. A full entablature extends to the sides, and there is a moulded cornice with egg and dart detailing and dentils above the central three bays, accompanied by a plain frieze.

Four Ionic half columns with tonis bases stand on panelled pedestals, supporting a flamboyant escutcheon that bears the George V monogram, framed by garlands in the centre bay. This is topped by a segmental open pediment on scrolled consoles and features a moulded architrave. The entrance consists of panelled oak double doors, with steps leading down to the street that have bolection moulded treads. The flanking bays contain rectangular sunk panels above deep timber cross-framed windows with rectangular lead cames. The windows are accented with rubbed brick voussoirs, ashlar keystones, and a sill band, while the corners are marked by ashlar rusticated quoins.

On the side elevation facing Bank Buildings, there is a similar window with a sunk panel above, and the central portion is advanced with rusticated quoins. The rear elevation showcases a broad three-light transomed window at the centre, flanked by cross windows, all featuring rectangular lead cames, with a Diocletian window above. A squat leaded cupola sits atop the roof, with lead camed windows.

Inside, there is a canted part-glazed entrance lobby with oak panelling, leading to a classical banking hall that features a central dome. The hall is decorated with a deep moulded cornice, including egg and dart detailing, and moulded plaster panels above the dado. A panelled oak counter completes the interior.