Benjamin Banks (1727 – 1795)

The first plaque commissioned by the Salisbury Civic Society was unveiled in July 1989 and commemorates Benjamin Banks the Salisbury  violin maker. This plaque can be found at first floor level on the Sailors’ Society building in Catherine Street. This is the only green plaque in Salisbury, the colour for future plaques being changed to blue. Benjamin Banks had a business in Catherine Street for forty years making cellos, violins and violas. ranking among the finest English makers  of the  C18th.  Bank’s instruments are now in great demand and play an important part in C21st music making.  At least two of his instruments are still being played by Salisbury musicians. One of these, a violin, is owned by Salisbury City Council and loaned to the leader of the Salisbury Symphony Orchestra. Benjamin Bank’s married Ann Burtt, his wife of nearly 40 years, and his grave is in St Thomas’s Church’s south churchyard.