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Today in History: Belfast Banking Company Merges with Northern Bank

7/1/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On 1 July 1970, the Belfast Banking Company—founded in 1827 and owned by the Midland Bank since 1917—was merged into its rival Northern Bank. The consolidation created a single major issuer of Northern Irish banknotes, a practice that continues today under the Danske Bank brand, whose notes remain legal currency but not legal tender.

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Story summary

On 1 July 1970, the Belfast Banking Company—founded in 1827 and owned by the Midland Bank since 1917—was merged into its rival Northern Bank. The consolidation created a single major issuer of Northern Irish banknotes, a practice that continues today under the Danske Bank brand, whose notes remain legal currency but not legal tender.