ROYAL MAIL POSTBOX AT WINTERWELL, THURLBEAR

1859-1861

It is troubling to learn that in recent years there had been a spate of thefts of wall-boxes in Somerset, with some of the oldest boxes in the country being stolen and removed from their rural settings. This listed (see below) Victorian box at Winterwell was such a casualty. Dating from 1859-1861 it was one of the oldest in the country. Post boxes of varying design were introduced in 1840 following the introduction of the Uniform Penny post. A cause of concern now is the possible privatisation of the Royal Mail and a potential change to the collection and delivery of mail as we know it and take for granted today. Information and Photographs courtesy of Terry Rowles of Winterwell, Thurlbear.

Internet link to TDBC Listed Buildings - Orchard Portman

Listed Buildings WALL LETTER BOX AT NGR ST 2597 2039, ORCHARD PORTMAN Grade : II List Entry Date : 21 February 1986 Wallbox. 1859-1861. By Smith and Hawkes of Birmingham for the Post Office. Cast iron. A rare example of which only 48 are known to survive in the country. (The Letterbox Study Group).