The Savings Bank Museum - Ruthwell

"The Amiablest and Kindliest of Men"
Thomas Carlyle on Henry Duncan, founder of the Ruthwell Savings Bank.

Tucked away in the pretty Dumfriesshire village of Ruthwell on the Solway, you will find the very room where the Trustee Savings Bank originated. On 10th May 1810, the Reverend Henry Duncan launched a community self-help project that would become both nation and worldwide.

Saving money for the future was of course not a new concept but until Reverend Duncan's project was launched, hiding your savings in your own home was the only option. Solving this security issue the Savings Bank project offered a secure means of saving and at last, ordinary folk were able to save their small sums of money and into the bargain earn a good interest, gain access to financial institutions, and increase their confidence and future prospects.

Guided tours, informal talks, displays, children’s activity books, coin striking events, and just for DOD we will be serving free tea/coffee and cake for all visitors.