In 1840 this was the headquarters of the Leicestershire Banking Company. The current building was erected in 1872-4. Goddard's original design had been quite Classical but the nearby National Provincial Bank (now Nat West) was also Classical in style and the LBC were keen to overshadow their rivals. A new design, much more Gothic in style, was drawn up, and this marvellous creation in red brick, Portland stone, and terra-cotta emerged. Notable features include the entance set across the corner of Granby St and Bishop St with a French pavillion roof, the tall windows on Granby St, the large interior hall lit by a large lantern (the windows at the top), the intricate roof (Goddard's liking for heavy carpentry is also evident in his churches), and the lovely glass. It has been suggested that the glass was added later as it has very Art Nouveau patterns. I also like the ferret-like animals which guard the exterior of the building, a couple of which escaped and ended up on the school at Church Langton.

Thanks to the HSBC for allowing me to photograph the interior of their bank.