'Bank House', Dunham Road

Image: © Anthony O'Neil Taken: 27 May 2025

Altrincham branch of the Cunliffe-Brooks bank founded in Blackburn by cotton entrepreneur William Brooks in 1792. The bank became one of the most prominent in Manchester, with headquarters at 46-48 Brown Street, from 1868, in a building (which can still be seen today) by the same architect, George Truefitt. In Altrincham, Truefitt indulged his love of the Tudor gothic style. Bank House (1872) was built for Brooks’ grandson - William Cunliffe Brooks - whose father, Samuel, had continued the banking business, having started out as a Calico Printer. William first trained as a barrister and later entered Parliament, eventually becoming MP for Altrincham. See also: Image, His initials ‘W C B’ can be seen in a wall plaque at the top left corner of the picture. Samuel Brooks acquired a large fortune enabling him to buy and develop land in South Manchester, Brooklands and Hale Barns. His country home was at Prospect House on the Hale / Wilmslow Road. Brooks Drive and Brooklands Station are named for him. After his death in 1864, his son continued their work as benefactors of the local area. See: Image The Brooks Bank was absorbed into Lloyd’s in 1900.

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