From a Northampton Mercury newsclip
The New Bank.—The new Capital and Counties Bank is now rapidly approaching completion. The building, designed by Messrs. Talbot Brown, and Fisher, architects, of Wellingborough, and built by Mr. Geo. Henson, of the same place, is a decided improvement to the High-street, and adds another to the growing list of fine buildings in the town. With two fine banks, nearly all the land abutting on High-street built upon, a large number of really fine shops, and important improvements to footpaths recently made and still being carried out, Rushden has now certainly outgrown the term "village" and well deserves the change to "town". The building under notice is a lofty one, having three stories, the front being of pressed brick, above the office windows, up to the top of which it is entirely of Bath and Weldon stone, presenting a solid and massive appearance. Stone dressings are also used for the upper part of the building, which is surmounted by carved work. Inside, too, the bank has the same characteristic—good, substantial work. Entrance to the building is gained through a splendid oaken doorway, the door itself being of the same material. The entrance hall is paved with Roman pavement, and the same costly material is used in front of the counters. These latter are of solid walnut, with mahogany mouldings, as are also the shutter cases of the windows, the doors, and skirting round the walls. The walls are covered with artistic designs in tiles, and the ceiling is also elaborately treated. The strong room was also shown to our representative, and there is the usual room for the convenience of customers, lavatory accommodation, &c. The apartments constituting the manager's (Mr. Kara) residence are also replete with every requirement, and fitted up with most artistic effect. We understand the new bank is to be opened for business on Oct. 1st.
