Robert Woodcock & Co. Enniscorthy 1799-1802

[DOC]

Robert Woodcock established a bank in Enniscorthy in 1799. The bank was short lived and failed in 1802. PMI indicates that silver notes for 6 shillings and 9 shillings are known along with an unissued 3 guinea note. A note for 9 shillings issued in 1801 is attached.

[DOC]

Private Banks in Ireland were required to register for note issue and these lists are a useful source of information about the private banks operating in the early 1800’s. I have noticed that the lists can sometimes be inaccurate not being updated to reflect recent bankruptcies. Robert Woodcock & Co, appears on a list of bankers for 1804 although his firm was bankrupt in 1802 (notice attached). Another example is that of John O’Neill who also appears on the 1804 list but whose firm became bankrupt in 1801.

[DOC]

There were at least four issuers of banknotes in Enniscorthy in the early 1800’s (summary attached). To date, few details have emerged about these banks and all their notes are rare.

[Mac]

Some of these were short lived. I see Woodcock & Co. were the only one known to have issued Silver notes in the usual denominations.

[DOC]

Robert Woodcock is interesting as a private banker who also issued coinage. Here is an attractive example of a copper halfpenny token issued by him in 1800.

[Mac]

Private bankers who issued coins were a rare breed.

[DOC]

Here is halfpenny of a different design issued by Robert Woodcock’s Bank 1800.