The Quaker Gurneys were renowned for their honesty, reliability, and fair dealings — so people entrusted them their money for safe keeping.
A bull mastiff (complete with brass collar) stood on guard inside the doors at the Bank Plain premises, and there was always a blunderbuss at the ready.
On his father's death in 1809, Samuel Gurney assumed the control of the Norwich bank.
About the same time, he also took over the control of the London billbroking business of Richardson, Overend & Company, in which he was already a partner.
The title of the firm was subsequently changed to Overend, Gurney and Company, and for forty years it was the greatest discounting house in the world.