Yorkshire Penny Bank

What happens to beautiful buildings when they no longer have a function? It is a question which, in the past, would apply to churches and chapels. Perhaps it is a sign of the times - but now it seems to be happening to banks. The bank in question is the magnificent old Yorkshire Penny Bank in Bradford. And the answer to the question is - they become bars.
The Yorkshire Penny Bank was founded in 1859 by the Halifax mill-owner and philanthropist, Colonel Edward Akroyd. Its aim was to encourage financial probity amongst the working classes. Its services were specifically directed towards working people - the name came from the fact that you could set up an account with the deposit of just one penny - and individual deposits were restricted to just £30 per year. Within two years of its establishment, the bank had over 100 branches throughout Yorkshire. It pioneered the idea of setting up sub-branches in schools and church halls in order to spread the great philosophical message of freedom through savings. In addition to the little sub-branches, the bank also built palatial banking halls in each of the principal towns and cities of Yorkshire.
The Bradford branch was situated at the junction of North Parade and Manor Row.
The building is still there it is now a pub - appropriately called Brass.