Savings Banks Museum
Museum in Ruthwell on the life of Rev. Henry Duncan, who founded the world's first self-supporting savings bank there in 1810.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The museum stands in Ruthwell in Dumfriesshire, where the minister Henry Duncan founded the Ruthwell Parish Bank in May 1810. It is described as the first self-supporting savings bank, paying interest on small deposits so that poorer people were encouraged to save. Duncan was also a writer, artist, geologist and social reformer, founded two local newspapers that still exist, helped restore the Ruthwell Cross and identified the first fossil footprints found in Britain.
The museum was previously run by the TSB, which grew out of the savings bank movement, and was closed from 2020. It was transferred to Comlongon Estate Ltd and reopened to visitors in early 2024 after investment by its new owners.
The displays include the room where the bank was founded, Duncan's original bank with copies of its ledgers and his own chair, and a large collection of piggy banks from around the world. Visitors can strike a commemorative coin and print their own newspaper front page on a period printing press, and guided tours cover Duncan's wider life and work.
Highlights
- Room where the first savings bank was founded in 1810
- Henry Duncan's original bank, ledgers and chair
- More than 300 piggy banks from around the world
- Coin striking as a souvenir
- Printing press on which visitors print a newspaper front page
Permanent exhibition
- Henry Duncan and the first savings bank – The founding room, Duncan's original bank with ledger copies and chair, a collection of piggy banks and hands-on printing and coin striking.
- Founded
- 1810
- Operated by
- Comlongon Estate Ltd
Admission & discounts
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom
- Accessible parking
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
A regional tourism listing reports wheelchair access throughout the museum, level access from the main entrance to reception, a drop-off point and a hearing loop.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
The museum is listed as being on a public transport route.
By car
Parking available
On-site parking, accessible parking and an electric car charging point are listed.
- Accessible parking
Amenities & dining
- Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi is listed by a regional tourism portal. Card and cash payments are accepted.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Guided tours covering Henry Duncan's life and work can be booked online. |
