Carry On Lombard Street

City of London
1941
Silent
21m

Barclays Bank's London HQ adapts to wartime banking, as a keen amateur filmmaker records staff at work, rest and play.

War doesn't stop the banking industry - and it certainly doesn't stop the enthusiastic amateur filmmaker. This unique insight into Barclays' Lombard Street head office shows a close-knit staff at work, rest and play (not to mention breakfast, lunch and dinner) trying to keep the books straight beneath the Blitz.

Film showing the daily activity at Barclay's Bank head office in Lombard Street in 1941.

Life Under Fire

The horror of Luftwaffe bombs coloured daily life in Britain's cities and beyond, and war brought myriad daily hardships besides. But Britain could take it!

The Blitz receded after May 1941, but even after the Battle of Britain, the nation faced a barrage of incendiary bombs, V-1s and V-2s. While young men fought Axis powers across three continents, their families listened anxiously to the wireless, while many worried too about children far from home. But in the face of the destruction, sirens, blackouts and hours in shelters, the now-legendary 'Blitz spirit' kept despair at bay. Britain held her nerve thanks to mutual support, defiance and wit - plus a good grumble and as many cups of tea as rationing allowed.