Nottingham Smiths Bank Branch The Oldest Provincial Bank in England In 1658 Thomas Smith (1631 - 1699) completed the purchase for £210 of premises near to this site, where he commenced trade as a Mercer and where the family banking business developed shortley thereafter. Abel Smith II (1717 - 1788) founded further Smiths Banks in London 1758, Lincoln 1775 and Hull 1784. A bank at Derby was established in 1806. These Smith family banks were organised as partnerships until 1902 when they amalgamated with the Union Bank of London. Subsequent mergers with National Provincial Bank of England in 1918 and the West minster Bank in 1968 created the present National Westminster Bank PLC. Smiths family motto - Fidelity, with industry and with honour.