
HSBC Bank (formerly known as Midland Bank), Leicester
The HSBC Bank, still commonly referred to as the Midland Bank, stands on the prominent corner of Granby Street and Bishop Street in Leicester City Centre, near Town Hall Square. Originally built as the Leicestershire Bank, this architectural gem was designed by Joseph Goddard, one of Leicester’s most distinguished architects, in 1874.
Goddard, a member of a prolific architectural family, left an enduring mark on Leicester with several iconic structures, including the Clock Tower and the Thomas Cook Building. The HSBC Bank is a prime example of his mastery, designed in the Venetian Gothic style, which was rare for banking institutions of the time. The building features intricate detailing, pointed arches, and distinctive French pavilion roofs, contributing significantly to Leicester’s reputation for Victorian architectural excellence.
One of the building’s most intriguing features comes from Samuel Barfield, a renowned local stonemason who frequently collaborated with Goddard. His signature carvings, including grotesque monsters clambering along the façade, add a whimsical and unexpected element to the otherwise formal structure. The exterior also boasts finely crafted statues and large stained-glass windows that enhance its grandeur.
The interior of the building is equally impressive. The large banking hall was designed with an elaborate timber roof and exquisite stained-glass windows, which have been carefully preserved and restored.
Originally built for the Leicestershire Banking Company to replace its outdated Granby Street headquarters, the bank's design contrasted with the Italianate National Provincial Bank. By the late 19th century, smaller banks struggled, leading to Leicestershire Bank’s merger with London City and Midland Bank, later becoming HSBC.
After ceasing operation as a bank, the Grade II* listed building remained vacant for some time before being acquired by a local family and donated to a Hare Krishna temple. Today, it continues to serve a community purpose, standing as both a historical and architectural landmark in Leicester.
Goddard, a member of a prolific architectural family, left an enduring mark on Leicester with several iconic structures, including the Clock Tower and the Thomas Cook Building. The HSBC Bank is a prime example of his mastery, designed in the Venetian Gothic style, which was rare for banking institutions of the time. The building features intricate detailing, pointed arches, and distinctive French pavilion roofs, contributing significantly to Leicester’s reputation for Victorian architectural excellence.
One of the building’s most intriguing features comes from Samuel Barfield, a renowned local stonemason who frequently collaborated with Goddard. His signature carvings, including grotesque monsters clambering along the façade, add a whimsical and unexpected element to the otherwise formal structure. The exterior also boasts finely crafted statues and large stained-glass windows that enhance its grandeur.
The interior of the building is equally impressive. The large banking hall was designed with an elaborate timber roof and exquisite stained-glass windows, which have been carefully preserved and restored.
Originally built for the Leicestershire Banking Company to replace its outdated Granby Street headquarters, the bank's design contrasted with the Italianate National Provincial Bank. By the late 19th century, smaller banks struggled, leading to Leicestershire Bank’s merger with London City and Midland Bank, later becoming HSBC.
After ceasing operation as a bank, the Grade II* listed building remained vacant for some time before being acquired by a local family and donated to a Hare Krishna temple. Today, it continues to serve a community purpose, standing as both a historical and architectural landmark in Leicester.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Leicester. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
HSBC Bank (formerly known as Midland Bank) on Map










Sight Name: HSBC Bank (formerly known as Midland Bank)
Sight Location: Leicester, England (See walking tours in Leicester)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Sight Location: Leicester, England (See walking tours in Leicester)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Walking Tours in Leicester, England
Create Your Own Walk in Leicester
Creating your own self-guided walk in Leicester is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Leicester Introduction Walking Tour
Leicester is one of the oldest cities in England, whose history goes back almost two millennia. The Romans arrived in the area around 47 AD, during their conquest of southern Britain. Following the Saxon invasion, Leicester was then captured by Danish Vikings, in the 9th century.
The settlement was first documented in the early 10th century, under the name Ligeraceaster. At the time of the... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
The settlement was first documented in the early 10th century, under the name Ligeraceaster. At the time of the... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
Historical Buildings
Leicester, a city in England's East Midlands, has a storied past that is vividly presented in its historical buildings. Valuable architectural monuments, they are the city's pride and as such enjoy special protection by the government.
Among such, Magazine Gateway stands as a testament to the city's medieval legacy. Originally part of its defensive walls, this structure now... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Among such, Magazine Gateway stands as a testament to the city's medieval legacy. Originally part of its defensive walls, this structure now... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles