Savings Banks Museum
The museum , in an 18th century building, charts the history of the savings bank movement and the role played by the Rev Henry Duncan DD - Minister, Author, Antiquarian, Geologist, Publisher, Philanthropist, Artist and Businessman.
There are records of family history as well as social history, including the Ruthwell Friendly Society from 1795. In 1810 Henry Duncan launched a community self-help project that spread nation and world wide. He wanted to help the poverty stricken members of his parish by opening doors for them to the financial and educational institutions. He devised a scheme by which ordinary folk could save their pennies and the Ruthwell Savings Bank was born. It was a resounding success, resulting in hundreds of towns and cities wanting to form their own savings banks. By 1847 they were helping each other through their umbrella organisation called the Trustee Savings Banks Association, later known to us as simply, the TSB.
The museum is located in the very room originally built for the villagers' use and where the Reverend Duncan set up his table for business that auspicious day of 10 May 1810. The displays contain banking memorabilia, including ledgers, 'home safes', coins and bank notes from many parts of the world.
In addition, we record the many other interests and achievements of Rev. Duncan; and hold much information on local history, including the world famous runic stone, The Ruthwell Cross.
Contact
Linda
Willaims
Ruthwell
Dumfries
Dumfries & Galloway
DG1 4NN
Scotland
Tel: +44 (1387) 870640
E-Mail: info@savingsbanksmuseum.co.uk
WWW: http://www.savingsbanksmuseum.co.uk
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