The events surrounding the collapse of Lord ffrench’s Bank of Tuam and Dublin in 1814 is the theme of the next history talk from Galway Archaeological and Historical Society.

This free event will take place in the city’s Harbour Hotel next Monday, October 7, at 8pm and the lecturer is Irene McGoldrick, a recent MA graduate of the University of Galway.

On June 27, 1814, Lord ffrench’s Bank, which was unable to meet its obligations to pay the demands of three bank ‘runners’, closed its doors, detaining the three runners inside. That action caused a major alarm and it led to a ‘run’ on other private banks.

The crisis surrounding the collapse of the Tuam Bank and the valiant efforts of Lord ffrench to avoid a Commission of Bankruptcy will be dealt with in Monday’s talk.

His tragic and untimely death sounded the death knell for the institution, which was declared bankrupt by trial, in January 1815.

In her talk, Irene McGoldrick will outline the history of the bank, before and after its failure. She will consider the factors which led to its demise, and shed light on the personalities involved.

Irene McGoldrick is the current chair of the Annaghdown Heritage Society and has been involved in local history and genealogical research for many years.

Pictured: One of the notes issued by the Tuam Bank which are now collectors’ items.