Local historians will gather for an illustrated talk in Highbridge this month featuring ‘The Stuckeys and their Bank”.
North Sedgemoor Local History Group will host the talk, by Janet Seaton and Barry Winetrobe, at 7pm at King Alfred School’s Lecture Theatre.
The ‘Stuckey’ name is common in Somerset, the West Country and beyond.
“The Stuckeys from Muchelney were part of the great emigration to the other side of the world in the 19th century, and were instrumental in the development of parts of Australia, especially in South Australia,” says the group’s Nigel Craik.
“The more famous Stuckeys of Langport are best known for their West Country banking company.”
“In its day, Stuckey’s Bank was one of the most important provincial banking groups, and a by-word of banking probity.”
“Local customers trusted them completely, and ‘Gie I a Stuckey’ was a common reaction to being offered another bank’s note.”
“This talk will explore how the Stuckeys and their partners, the Bagehots, became successful merchants and shipowners, and how their banking business prospered for over 100 years.”
Janet Seaton and Barry Winetrobe have lived in Somerset for over 11 years. Through the Langport & District History Society (which Janet chairs) and the Bagehot Memorial Fund, they research the rich history and heritage of the Langport area.
