Barclays in East Street has been on the same site since 1809.

Sarah Sexton, manager of the branch, said: "We are very proud of our long association with Chichester and it is amazing to think the bank has been on the same site for 200 years.

"The city has a wonderful historic atmosphere and I am delighted we are part of it. I look forward to serving customers here for many years to come."

Although the precise date of the branch opening has been lost in time, it is documented that the Chichester Bank was established in 1809 by James Hack and three other partners who each put up £2,500 to establish the business.

Hack was one of a number of Quaker merchants who developed a banking business from their original trades, in his case as a leather-cutter and dealer. By 1827 there were six partners.

An archivist for Barclays said: "The bank developed steadily in Victorian times. Many of its customers were farmers, but there were also tradesmen, shopkeepers and some professionals and gentlemen on the books.

"In 1900, the business was acquired by Barclays and the Chichester bank was made into a local head office."

East Street has been the home of the bank since 1809, except between 1958-63 when the business moved to North Pallant during a complete rebuilding of the branch in the neo-Georgian style.

The Barclays archive has produced some information on the history of the branch and some historic photos to mark the bicentenary which will be on display at the bank until Friday, July 3.

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