.........Post Boxes in the country.
This is beside a busy road junction in Framlingham which is a town between me and the coast. I've driven past 100's of times but never walked out from the town centre car park for a closer look.
It gets a mention in my little book Old Letter Boxes by Martin Robinson.It was made in 1856 by Andrew Handyside of Derby for the Post Office's Eastern District.
Early postboxes all had vertical apertures. In the book this postbox still has a white metal collection times plaque on the front but that has now gone. The letter box seems to be still in use.
I should have asked in the Post Office if it was still used but I've only just thought of it! Framlingham is one of the few places that still has a proper Post Office where they still also sort local mail for picking up and delivering in the area.
I'll have to wait for the fuel situation to resolve before I go and search for the other very old letter box still in use in the County.
This, and another Framlingham postbox are the two oldest boxes still in use in the UK!
ReplyDeleteI didn't know there were two in Fram. I shall check out the other - it's on a little back street in the middle of town
DeleteI wonder why they always painted them red like that? I like it anyway, as it is so distinctive :)
ReplyDeleteIf you click on the Postboxes in Suffolk label it will take you to the first one I did which has a bit of history
DeleteIt's nice to see it still standing after all that time. Obviously, things were made to last back in those days.
ReplyDeleteIt's done well to avoid being knocked down by traffic!
DeleteInteresting box Sue - I don't think I have seen one like that before.
ReplyDeleteNot many Victorian ones left in the country
DeleteI wonder why they changed from vertical to horizontal slots?
ReplyDeleteMaybe the rain got in too much?
DeleteThis letter box design exceeds the test of time. The tall slim design and red paint is striking. The boxes you have posted all seem very well maintained with fresh paint and no dents and damage showing. In contrast, sadly some letter boxes in the US can be in a state of disrepair.
ReplyDeleteSome were looking a bit sad but it looks as if many have had a new coat of paint in the last few years
DeleteIt makes mailing a bill just a little more pleasant
ReplyDeleteCathy
That's true!
DeleteThanks for mentioning about following you. I have been visiting you for quite a while but have forgotten about the "follow" button! Now you are up to 710! :)
ReplyDeleteOh thank you. It's a bit childish to like the numbers going up but I do!
DeleteThis is so interesting to see. How amazing that this box has been in use since 1856. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteIt's such an unusual sight and amazing not to have been knocked over by a truck
DeleteDarn....we went to Framlingham in the summer, but missed it! Arilx
ReplyDeleteThose postboxes are works of art. So striking and to think that they are still in use is amazing.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
Nice old post box! I remember seeing them when in England. We'd been to Framlingham as well for an event as well.Have a good day!
ReplyDeleteWe had one of these just a few miles from us. I always used to look out for it as we drove down that road. They have moved it now but I don't know where to. It has been replaced by one of those small ones that are set into a brick wall. Not nearly so nice : )
ReplyDelete