Branch Bank, Market Street and Market Place, Darwen

One of the most handsome and picturesque buildings in Darwen is Messrs. Cunliffes Brooks and Company’s new bank, which has been erected at the corner of Market-street and the Market-place— one of the best sites in the town. The base of the building is of polished granite, the other portion being of best red bricks and local stone dressing. In addition to the bank, which is octagonal, with a corner entrance, and rooms for the porter, to which access it obtained by an entrance in Market- street, there are two shops in Market Place, and alto a good staircase leading to three sets of offices for letting. Above these, at the corner of the building, is a large lofty 25 feet, octagonal room, with arched wooden ribs to the ceiling, and it is probable that this will be let at a club-room. The interior of the bank it fitted up with walnut, and the roof has been boarded and felted and covered with best Broseley tiles, The building, which forms a very effective object in the centre of the town, it sure to meet the convenience of Messrs Cunliffes Brooks and Company and their clients more than the present premises occupied by the firm opposite Market Street Liberal Club. The architect was Mr George Truefitt, formerly of Bloomsbury-square, London, but now of Worthing, Sussex, a gentleman who has done considerable architectural work in the neighbourhood of Manchester, and in other parts of the country. The building, which has cost something like £5,000, has been erected by Mr Robert Shorrock, a local contractor, and the handsome structure reflects the greatest credit upon all concerned. [Blackburn Standard 5 May 1894 page 8]

Reference           Blackburn Standard 5 May 1894 page 8 with illustration