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The history of Lloyds Banking Group 

At your service since 1695.

 

Lloyds Banking Group was formed in 2009, but the origins of our core brands go back much, much further.

We’ve come a long way from the foundation of Bank of Scotland and Lloyds Bank. Our journey to become a leading UK-based financial services group has been one of constant change and innovation.

We've been helping our customers and communities for more than 300 years.

Our history at a glance

The story of Lloyds Banking Group stretches back to 1695.

  • 1695

    Bank of Scotland was founded in Edinburgh on 17 July 1695. It was Scotland’s first bank.

  • 1765

    Lloyds Bank was founded in June 1765 as Taylors & Lloyds. It was Birmingham’s first bank.

  • 1815

    Scottish Widows officially opened its doors in January 1815 in Edinburgh. It is Scotland’s oldest life assurance company.

  • 1852

    The Halifax was founded in 1852 in a pub. It was set up to help working people buy or build their own homes.

  • 1995

    Lloyds Bank merged with TSB plc to form Lloyds TSB. All branches were rebranded in 1999.

     

  • 2001

    The Halifax and Bank of Scotland merged to form HBOS plc.

  • 2009

    Lloyds Banking Group was formed when Lloyds TSB took over HBOS plc at the height of the financial crisis.

  • 2013

    Lloyds Bank returned to the high street, as Lloyds and TSB once again became two separate banks.

Explore our rich heritage further by taking a look at our timeline.
  

Timeline

The history of our brands

Each of our brands has their own unique heritage.

Lloyds Bank logo

Lloyds Bank

Halifax logo

Halifax

Bank of Scotland logo

Bank of Scotland

Scottish Widows logo

Scottish Widows

 

First out the gate

Over our 300 year history, we're proud to have had a few 'firsts' as we continued to innovative for our customers.

Read about our innovations

Resources

Our archives

Find out more about the historical records we hold for the Group’s core brands and former constituents.

Our company archives

Museum on the Mound

Our museum is located in Edinburgh, Scotland. It is the Headquarters of Lloyds Banking Group and charts the history of banking in Scotland.

Arrange a visit Arrange a visit to the museum on the mound (opens in new tab)

WWI Roll of Honour

Commemorating staff who gave their lives in the First World War. 

Search for individuals from across all our First World War memorials.

Start here Explore the roll of honour (opens in same tab).