Pares's Bank

The most elegant bank in Leicester

The land this bank was built on formed part of the garden of Grey Friars House, which was owned by Thomas Pares (1746-1824). Originally this would have formed part of the Grey Friars’ Friary complex, now best known as the burial place of King Richard III.

The changing fortunes of Pares & Co

The first bank on this site, Pares & Co., was established in 1800 by partners Thomas Pares, Thomas Paget, John Pares and James Heygate, who had connections through the Leicester hosiery trade. Although it prospered initially, the bank fell into difficulties in 1830 when it emerged that James Heygate junior had been embezzling funds. The bank survived and by 1880 was known as Pares´s Leicestershire Banking Co. Ltd.

Pare’s Bank, Board Room, 1904. Historic England

Takeover

The present building is often said to be the most elegant bank in Leicester. It was designed by J.B. Everard & S. Perkins Pick for Pares´s Bank in 1901 but became Parr´s Bank (of Warrington and London) in 1902 following a takeover. It eventually became a branch of the National Westminster Bank until its closure in the 1990s.

The panels on either side of the frontage

The panels on either side of the main door on the front of the building are by Charles Allen and represent Agriculture (left) and Commerce (right). Look for a shepherd’s crook, an apple branch and a crown of wheat in Agriculture, and a sailing ship and women bearing raw materials in Commerce.

The building is home to a restaurant, Middletons Steakhouse & Grill, find out how to visit.