Former bank smashes guide price at auction
The building was used by a clock and watch maker back in the 18th century
Ben WaldronTrainee Reporter
The building went under the hammer on Wednesday, October 24 (Image: SDL Auctions)
Sign up to get the latest Burton news in a daily email bulletin
A historic former bank in Uttoxeter which dates back to the 18th century as a clock-making firm smashed its estimate at auction after going under the hammer.
The building, on the corner of High Street and Church Street, housed the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) until August 2018, when a whole string of branches across the group shut for good nationwide.
It was sold by SDL Auctions to an unnamed bidder on Wednesday, October 24 for £232,000.
The winning bid came in significantly higher than the guide price of £155,000 awarded by experts.
The three-storey building is situated in the heart of Uttoxeter town centre, next door to ladies' clothing store The Fashion Parade.
The building dates back to the 18th century, when it was known as "Bell & Dams," a clock-making firm, according to trade directories for the town.
The building was owned by watch makers 'Bell & Dams' between 1849 and 1906 (Image: Redfern's Cottage, Museum of Uttoxeter Life)
Edward Bell is listed as a Uttoxeter clock and watch maker between 1775 and 1840, according to heritage group Redfern's Cottage, Museum of Uttoxeter Life.
Museum archivists revealed his son, Benjamin, had taken control of the business by 1849 and he would make clocks in the building.
The business would go on to be named Bell & Dams, after Benjamin's orphaned nephew, Edward Dams.
Corrie star opened Burton restaurants
Remembering Jack Bodell
Green light to build new library
Museum set for closure
The building then became a bank at some point between 1906 and 1926 when it came under the ownership of William Deacon's Bank limited.
It was then acquired by RBS in 1929, but continued to operate under the name of William Deacon's Bank.
In 1969, following the RBS merger with the National Commercial Bank of Scotland, the Uttoxeter site was rebranded as "Williams & Glyn's Bank."
Nationally, 162 RBS sites closed earlier this summer, including Uttoxeter and the Burton branch in Station Street, with shutdowns ordered in towns and cities where RBS and NatWest branches - part of the same group - were in close proximity.
The Burton site currently remains vacant.
The building at some point between 1906 and 1969 when it was called William Deacon's Bank (Image: Redfern's Cottage, Museum of Uttoxeter Life)
Andrew Parker, auctioneer and managing director of SDL Auctions, said: "With more than 150 lots filling our biggest ever October auction catalogue we knew we would experience some excited bidding in our Birmingham auction room.
"When it came to our lot number 39, the former bank premises at 2 High Street in Uttoxeter, we saw some competitive bidding from several potential buyers.
This is the opening date for the new branch of BEAR Coffee Co
"The guide price for this lot was £155,000+ and the hammer fell at a sale price of £232,000, leaving us with a very happy vendor.
"We're not sure yet what the new buyer will do with the property but with it having excellent opportunities for conversion, subject to planning permission, we look forward to following the progress of the site."
The Uttoxeter Advertiser would like to thank Redfern's Cottage, Museum of Uttoxeter Life, for researching the history of the former RBS building and providing the photographs in this article.
News from Uttoxeter
Gin, anyone?
Even an engagement ring was taken
Uttoxeter phones on the chopping block
Candidates announced
Staffordshire PoliceWarning over very convincing phone call scam - here's how to avoid itIt warns that there has been 'illegal activity' on the internet
Covid-19 vaccination centre looks set to open in Burton
BurtonNHS bosses are 'confident' East Staffordshire will be ready to roll out the vaccine
Instagram star Mrs Hinch shares her top cleaning tips
Stay InThese hacks could get your home sparkling
Boots workers told to turn off NHS Track and Trace app by bosses for this reason
BurtonEmployees have raised concerns and firm has this to say on when to leave it off
New walk-through Covid testing centre set up at Burton Town Hall
BurtonIt is part of the governments UK-wide drive to make it more accessible
Burton AlbionNo time to waste as Hasselbaink works hard to improve Burton squadFour in, three out, so far and with the next game a week away, more moves are likely
Surprise signing as Hasselbaink adds keeper for Brewers
Burton AlbionDillon Barnes in for the rest of the season from Queens Park Rangers
Ipswich edge a scrappy game to set Burton escape bid back
Burton AlbionDefeat in Hasselbaink's first home game in charge
More ins and outs likely yet as Hasselbaink tweaks his Burton squad
Burton AlbionManager targets two in every position - but only if they add to the overall strength
Striker Josh Parker is third new arrival for Brewers
Burton AlbionRealeased by Wycombe Wanderers, he joins on an 18-month deal to add experience
WeatherNew weather warning for ice issued for flooded DerbyshireForecasters are urging people to take care
Striker to see specialist, keeper latest - Derby County injury news
Derby CountyManager Wayne Rooney provides update on the injured players ahead of Queens Park Rangers clash
Jordon Ibe update and when Derby County winger will return to action
Derby CountyThe former Liverpool and Bournemouth player has not been in a match-day squad since the home game against Preston North End on Boxing Day