Turning points

Ten items representing decisive moments in the history of NatWest Group or of British banking as a whole.

Explore the objects

Stocktaking account of Nottingham cloth merchant Thomas Smith, showing his business evolving into a bank.

Customer ledger of London goldsmith and banker Edward Backwell.

Royal charter establishing the Royal Bank of Scotland.

Articles establishing Lancaster Joint Stock Banking Co, England's first big shareholder-owned provincial bank.

Parliamentary bill proposing regulation of the right to issue banknotes.

Enamel plaque from Bordon Army Camp branch of London County & Westminster Bank.

Letter from Messrs Drummond announcing its acquisition by the Royal Bank of Scotland.

Promotional clock produced for North Central Finance Company.

Poster responding to the Monopolies & Mergers Commission's rejection of two bids to buy the Royal Bank of Scotland.

Document outlining the Royal Bank of Scotland's bid for the acquisition of NatWest.