Our history
WHO WE ARE
Barclays traces its ancestry back to two goldsmith bankers, John Freame and Thomas Gould, who were doing business in Lombard Street, London in 1690. In 1736, Freame’s son, Joseph took his brother-in-law, James Barclay on as a partner, and the name has remained a constant presence in the business ever since.
Barclays was built over centuries
Our longevity is an extraordinary achievement, especially against the backdrop of multiple financial crises, international conflicts, and the agricultural, industrial and now technological revolutions.
This story is best told through our rich archive of photographs, ledgers, letters, minute books, equipment and a range of, in some cases unexpected, curiosities housed in the Barclays Group Archives in Manchester, UK. The material in these archives is unique, irreplaceable and priceless. They don’t just tell the story of Barclays’ businesses around the world, they also communicate the strength and depth of the Values that have underpinned Barclays from the very beginning.
And it’s not just the story of a bank – it is the story of the communities that we serve, as well as our colleagues, our buildings, and our products. The archives allow us to share those stories.
Key moments in history
Barclays: A British Champion
[Audio Description] The background music is an instrumental orchestral piece with an epic and cinematic style. It begins softly with low, resonant strings and atmospheric tones that create a sense of vastness and anticipation. As the music progresses, brass instruments and percussion gradually add intensity, producing a heroic and uplifting mood. The tempo is steady and purposeful, reflecting themes of determination and achievement. The melody is sweeping and inspiring, conveying grandeur and optimism. There are no vocals or lyrics in the track. The music supports the visual content by enhancing the feelings of exploration and success.
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A sepia-toned, detailed map of London is shown. The River Thames curves prominently through the centre of the map. Streets and districts are marked in red, and a decorative compass rose is visible on the right side. The map has an antique, historical appearance.
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On-screen text: “This is where we started”
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A busy London street scene. The architecture is grand and historic, with tall buildings lining the street. The clock tower known as Big Ben is visible in the background. People in period clothing walk along the pavement, and several vintage cars are parked or driving on the road.
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On-screen text: “Where people and ideas came together”
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A bustling city street. A double-decker bus is visible on the left, and the street is crowded with people walking in various directions. The buildings are tall and imposing, with classical architectural details.
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On-screen text: “The place that we all built”
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A car factory interior. Several classic cars are being assembled, with workers standing beside and working on the vehicles. The factory is spacious, with a high ceiling and large windows letting in natural light.
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A close-up shot of the moving wheels and connecting rods of a steam locomotive. The metal components are in motion, and a cloud of steam is visible near the bottom of the frame.
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A steam train crosses a tall iron bridge at sunrise or sunset. The train emits a long plume of smoke, and the sun is low in the sky, casting a golden glow over the landscape of fields and hills.
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On-screen text: “Where we worked together”
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A black-and-white image of several workers moving a large wooden crate. The workers are wearing flat caps and work clothes, and the setting appears to be an industrial or warehouse environment.
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On-screen text: “Where we stood together”
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A group of uniformed soldiers. Some are giving a thumbs-up gesture. The setting appears to be outdoors, possibly near a military vehicle or equipment.
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A black-and-white image of a worker shovelling debris outside a building. The building has a sign reading “BARCLAYS BANK LIMITED” next to the entrance. Other workers are visible in the background.
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On-screen text: “And explored together”
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A climber in heavy cold-weather gear, standing on a snowy mountain. The climber is using a radio, and a dramatic mountain landscape is visible in the background, bathed in warm light.
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On-screen text: “We grew together”
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An aerial view of a modern city skyline, likely London. Tall skyscrapers dominate the scene, and the River Thames is visible winding through the city. The lighting suggests early morning or late afternoon, with a soft glow on the buildings.
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A person in business attire is walking into a spacious, modern office lobby. The lobby features a large reception desk in the centre, with several people visible in the background. The space is brightly lit with natural and artificial light, and there are tall windows and decorative plants.
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A cityscape at sunset or sunrise, with golden light illuminating historic and modern buildings. The street below is busy with cars and traffic, and trees line the avenue. The architecture includes domed and towered structures, suggesting a location with a blend of old and new.
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A vibrant urban scene filled with colourful billboards and signage. The image shows a busy intersection with many signs, including traffic signs and advertisements. The area is bustling, with a sense of energy and movement typical of a major city centre.
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A view looking up at a modern glass building with the Barclays logo prominently displayed. A street sign for "W 49th St" is visible in the foreground, indicating the location is at the corner of West 49th Street. The sky is bright and clear.
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People are ascending an escalator inside a building. At the top, a large sign reads "BARCLAYS CENTER" in illuminated letters. The setting is modern, with metal railings and a high ceiling.
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A group of people are in a gymnasium or sports hall. One person, wearing a white basketball jersey with the number 1 and the word "BARCLAYS" on the back, is holding a basketball. Others are standing nearby, and the background shows blue walls and windows.
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A panoramic view of a modern city skyline with distinctive architecture. The scene includes a large, curved building (possibly a hotel or convention centre) and a cluster of skyscrapers. The sky is bright blue with scattered clouds, and a river or body of water is visible in the foreground.
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A wide-angle shot of a large, modern office building with a glass façade. The building is several stories high, and the scene is captured at dusk or dawn, with the sky transitioning from light to dark.
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An interior view of a reception area for "barclaycard," a member of the Barclays Group. The reception desk is on the left, and two people are walking through the space. The area is well-lit, with a staircase leading to an upper floor and large windows letting in natural light.
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A close-up of the "barclaycard" logo on a wall, with the text "a member of the BARCLAYS Group" underneath. The image is slightly overexposed, with light reflections creating a soft, glowing effect.
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On-screen text: “Today, change is constant”
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A person wearing an apron is standing behind a counter, possibly in a café or shop. Another person is reaching out to make a payment using a card or device. The background includes shelves and equipment typical of a retail or hospitality setting.
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A close-up of a computer screen showing a yellow button with the word "Search." A cursor in the shape of a hand is pointing to or clicking the button. The image is slightly pixelated, indicating a digital interface.
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The interior of a modern car, viewed from the back seat. The dashboard and steering wheel are visible, and the car is driving along a road lined with trees. The central display screen is illuminated, and the scene suggests autonomous or hands-free driving.
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A brightly lit factory floor filled with robotic arms and machinery. The robots are working on assembling vehicles or large components. The environment is industrial, with metal structures and overhead lighting.
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A small drone is hovering in front of the entrance to a house. The drone is delivering a brown paper package, which is suspended beneath it. The house has white siding, a glass-panelled front door, and a brick wall section to the right. There is a neatly trimmed green bush next to the door.
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On-screen text: “We’re helping you discover new things”
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A person in a red and blue jacket is holding a contactless payment card up to a card reader on a public bus. The interior of the bus is visible, with yellow poles and red seats.
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On-screen text: “Teaching new skills”
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Two people with grey hair are seated in front of a computer monitor. The monitor displays the Google homepage. The setting appears to be a classroom or computer lab, with a sign and the number 6 on the wall.
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Two people are sitting together at a table. One is wearing a blue shirt with the Barclays logo and a lanyard, and is assisting the other person, who is using a laptop. The setting appears to be a casual, supportive learning environment.
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On-screen text: “The market stall to the capital markets”
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On-screen text: “Your first job to your new career”
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On-screen text: “Together we make this place stronger”
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Two people are standing in a colourful, open-top vehicle decorated with a rainbow design and the hashtag “#FreedomTo”. Both have their arms raised in celebration. The sky is blue with some clouds, and there are trees in the background.
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On-screen text: “From the fields and the farms”
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On-screen text: “The shops and the factories”
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On-screen text: “And the cutting edge”
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On-screen text: “From Big Ben”
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On-screen text: “To the Big Apple”
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A city street scene with tall buildings. The building in the foreground has blue-tinted glass and is reflecting sunlight. The street is busy, and the sun is low in the sky, casting a warm glow.
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A close-up of a building with the Barclays logo on the side. The sun is shining brightly, creating a lens flare effect. The building is surrounded by other tall structures, and the sky is clear.
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On-screen text: “And all over the world”
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A tall, modern office building with a grid of windows is shown against a bright blue sky. The sun is high, and there is a lens flare effect in the upper left of the image.
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Two people are sitting across from each other at a table in a modern office or café setting. Large windows behind them reveal an outdoor scene with trees and buildings in the distance. Both individuals have laptops open in front of them.
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Four people are standing together on a bridge or elevated walkway, looking out towards the horizon. The sun is low in the sky, casting a warm glow and creating long shadows. The group appears to be enjoying the view together.
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A person with long, wavy hair is standing indoors in a brightly lit, modern environment. The background is softly blurred, with hints of signage and people moving in the space.
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Three people are seated in a modern lounge area with large windows. The city skyline is visible outside. The group is engaged in conversation, with one person gesturing as they speak.
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A building with the Barclays logo on the roof is seen through a window. In the background, a tall skyscraper rises above the cityscape. The scene is softly lit, with a gentle haze.
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An aerial view of a coastal city with a long pier extending into the sea. The beach runs parallel to a busy road lined with buildings. The lighting is warm, suggesting early morning or late afternoon.
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On-screen text: “Supporting our customers and clients”
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On-screen text: “Supporting our customers and clients
As we have done for centuries”
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A white background with the Barclays logo and the text “home.barclays” displayed in blue. This is the closing frame of the video.
The Barclay connection
Barclays business can be traced back to two Quakers called John Freame and Thomas Gould, who established themselves as goldsmith bankers in Lombard Street in the City of London in 1690. Their business flourished, helped in no small part by its Quaker connections. They financed Quaker traders in the new colonies in America and the Caribbean, they helped to finance the Pennsylvania Land Company, and they were actively involved in Quaker-dominated companies like the London Lead Company and the Welsh Copper Company.
The latter produced silver as a by-product, which Freame and Gould sold to the Royal Mint. They were also the closest thing the Quakers had to an official banker, holding the Society Of Friends' central funds (known as the national stock). In 1695, this amounted to £1,100.
Beyond his bank, John Freame was a very well-respected and influential character. He served as clerk to the Yearly Meeting (the Quakers' annual gathering attended by local representatives from all over the country), and published a book called 'Scripture Instruction' which was used in Quaker schools. He also campaigned for greater toleration for the Quakers, achieving the right to make an affirmation rather than swear an oath, and the right to be prosecuted before magistrates rather than in the church courts.
The Barclay family
In 1728, Freame’s son, Joseph, became a partner in the bank, and John Freame began a gradual process of retirement. James Barclay joined the firm in 1733, having married Freame’s daughter, Sarah. James was the son of David Barclay by his first wife, Ann. Following the death of Ann, David Barclay married Freame’s elder daughter Priscilla in 1723. This rather complicated state of affairs meant that James Barclay's stepmother was also his sister-in-law, but is quite typical of the way the Quakers ran their lives and businesses. Family, religious and business ties were inextricably linked.
James Barclay had a strong business and Quaker background. His grandfather, Robert Barclay, was known as 'The Apologist' because he wrote a book explaining the Quakers' beliefs, entitled, 'Apology For The True Christian Divinity'
Although David Barclay Senior did not become a partner in the bank, his sons by his second wife (and, therefore, John Freame’s grandsons), David Barclay the younger and John Barclay did. By this time, the partners were amassing fortunes which may have seemed at odds with the Quaker principles of simple and plain living, but it is important to remember that a Quaker who went bankrupt was disowned by the Society.
While the fear of bankruptcy may have spurred the Barclays on to ever greater profitability, they still had not lost sight of other Quaker virtues. David Barclay the younger, who became a partner in the bank in 1776, was a very active Quaker.
A keen supporter of the emancipation campaigner Wiilliam Wilberforce, he used his influence to persuade other Quakers to take a stronger stand for the abolition of slavery. Later, David Barclay found himself the owner of a slave plantation in Jamaica in settlement of a debt. His decision to free the slaves and transport them to Philadelphia cost him £3,000.
Barclay was also well-respected in the wider community. A close friend of Benjamin Franklin, he attempted to mediate between the rebellious colonists in America and the British government in 1774 and 1775. He must have suspected the worst, however, because he had been redirecting his own business interests away from North America for some time. It would appear that even the span of the Atlantic Ocean could not disrupt Quaker business connections - the large number of Friends who settled in America made sure that their British cousins were kept well informed.
Beyond London
While banks in London were thriving, banking in the rest of England was only just beginning. One of the earliest 'country banks' in Barclays history is that established in 1744 by Samuel Alexander in Needham Market in Suffolk. Alexander was a Quaker merchant with interests in the iron and corn trade.
In what was to become a regular pattern in rural areas and market towns all over England, Alexander was perceived by his customers to be a trustworthy, reliable and relatively wealthy man, so they felt happy entrusting their money to his care. His faith undoubtedly played an important part in forming this opinion, and it also meant that he had access to the Friends' business network, so was able to call upon the Barclays to act as his London agent.
Alexander's went on to merge with Gurney’s, the biggest country bank to take part in the 1896 amalgamation. The Gurney business began with the Norwich and Norfolk bank, opened by Quaker brothers, John and Henry Gurney on 13 May 1775. They had made their money as worsted, linen and yarn merchants.
As banking became more profitable than cloth, their business expanded and they established partnerships in Great Yarmouth, Kings Lynn, Wisbech, Fakenham, Ipswich, Colchester and Halesworth. By 1838, the Gurneys were described as 'exercising an influence and a power inferior to that of no banking establishment in Great Britain - that of the Bank of England alone excepted'.
Like many successful Quakers, some of the Gurneys found it difficult to reconcile their faith with their wealth. Joseph John Gurney chose to become a ‘plain Friend’, dedicating his life to his bank, his religion and good causes. Like his sister, Elizabeth Fry, he campaigned for prison reform.
He also campaigned against slavery, and in 1837 went on a three year ministering tour of the West Indies and America, giving away one third of his share of the Bank's profits for the duration. He was a renowned Quaker author - his 1824 work, 'Observations on the Religious Peculiarities of the Society Of Friends'; was reprinted many times. His attitude is exemplified by his statement:
'I suppose my leading outward object in life may be said to be the bank. While I am a banker the bank must be attended to. It is obviously the religious duty of a trustee to so large an amount to be diligent in watching his trust.'
The Gurney name is also famous for its involvement in Overend, Gurney and Company, a firm of London bill brokers which failed spectacularly in 1866, prompting a financial crisis. Although members of the Gurney family were implicated and affected by the failure, the Gurneys’ East Anglian banks came through remarkably unscathed, due mainly to quick thinking and shrewd judgement by their Barclay cousins.
By injecting new capital and new partners into the Norwich Bank, they effectively distanced it from the bill broking business just one month before it crashed. While the very public failure of one Quaker business was highly regrettable, it had clearly been beyond saving, and ruthless action had been needed to prevent other businesses going down with Overend, Gurney and Company.
Find out more
Barclays Group Archives
Barclays Group Archives are home to the records of Barclays PLC and its predecessors, dating from 1567 to the present day.