From lands end to john o'groats, the post box has adapted to it's surroundings and remains one of the most famous artifacts of Britain recognised across the world.
Interesting fact.
Penfold, Danger Mouse's neurotic sidekick was actually named after an iconic Victorian letter box introduced in 1866. Designed by architect John Wornham Penfold, and famous for its elegant hexagonal shape - unlike the actual one on Baker Street which is a double-oval.
The iconic red symbol of Britishness, still thrives in every location across the Isles.
Here's mine in Grantham, Lincolnshire.
Starting with the most famous UK post box, Danger Mouse's house on Baker St in London,
Here it is.
Before 'pillar boxes', mail in the UK was taken to letter-receiving houses, usually turnpike houses where a Royal Mail coach would stop to pick up mail & passengers.
The term turnpike comes from historical 17th-century toll barriers consisting of a revolving frame topped with spikes.
#Cambridge
🇬🇧 Britain's Oldest Post Box
The first British post boxes were installed on the Channel Island of Jersey in 1852, following a proposal by Post Office official Anthony Trollope, who had seen them used in Europe. 🇪🇺
What makes the Cambridge post box example (above) even more rare is it is designated 'anonymous'. This is due to the royal cypher and the words “Post Office” not present.
Royal Mail only added the embossments 13 years after their introduction here in 1879.
Some emblems are worth preserving. So as the British landscape evolves, changes, and is contorted to move with the times, somethings are not for turning.
Here's a UK Pillar box being devoured by a tree over the span of years.
Following the success of the St Helier trial, the 1st mainland British post box was erected in Botchergate, Carlisle, in 1853.
The oldest surviving post box still active is located in Holwell, Dorset. Installed in 1853, it is octagonal & has vertical a slot rather than the horizontal we see today.
