East Lothian Bank, Five Pound Note (unissued)
The East Lothian Bank was one of many such small concerns formed in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth century. Its local backers invested capital gained mainly from agriculture, profits having followed from improved technology and methods.
This is a printed paper banknote. One side has decorative printed text identifying the note as FIVE POUNDS for THE EAST LOTHIAN BANKING COMP(an)Y; there are two illustrations, one of agricultural tools and products and the other a representation of Dunbar Harbour. The other side has a royal seal GR IV in red and black, recording duty paid on the note.
The East Lothian Banking Company was formed in 1810 and failed in 1822 when Chief Cashier William Borthwick absconded with the bank’s deposits. Shareholders, including many East Lothian landowners, merchants and farmers, suffered severely and took twenty years to wind up the bank.
Museum id no. 2001.56.1
0 comments
No comments for this photo. Add a comment >
