At first glance this is a pretty standard post box. You can guess that it's in a rural location, as it's set into the wall, rather than being one of the freestanding pillar boxes. But that isn't what sets it apart.
I bet you've spotted it, haven't you?
This box is GR, George Rex, rather than the more common ER, Elizabeth Regina.
This particular GR box was manufactured during the reign of George V (1910 - 1936), rather than our present Queen's father George VI (1936 - 1952). The clue is in the style of the lettering, which is far more plain for the earlier king.
Although GR boxes are rarer than ER, they are less rare than VR. VR boxes are the oldest. It was in 1840, during the reign of Queen Victoria, that postal reform first made postage rates affordable for ordinary people. Stamps could be purchased as proof of payment, but letters still needed to be taken to a post office; an inconvenience which could involve travelling some distance.
The solution was devised by Anthony Trollope, one of the most successful and respected English novelists of Victorian times, who also happened to be an official of the General Post Office. He suggested the placing of locked pillar boxes in locations convenient for residents to post their letters. Such post boxes would be emptied at set times. As a result, in 1853 the first pillar boxes appeared on our streets and they have been with us ever since, numbers currently standing at over 85,000 in England alone!
So, VR are the rarest, right? Actually, no. The rarest are EviiR. I'm sure that you can work out why. Yes?
While you're turning your thoughts to that one, why not wander over to Alphabe-Thursday at Jenny Matlock's to see what other G offerings people have posted today?
PS A blogging friend has had a photograph shortlisted in a Yorkshire Landscapes competition. Now it is down to a public vote to whittle the last hundred down to a short-shortlist. If you have a minute to spare, would you consider taking a look to see whether you think it's worthy of your vote? Her photo is here. Thank you :)
Aren't these old boxes photogenic? Oddly enough I've just been looking at a VR freestanding one - one I snapped in Ilkley. I've been putting together a slide show and decided to include it.
ReplyDeleteAgain, many thanks for the link. So many people have promised votes - I'm really touched. Fingers crossed!
I love learning thank you
ReplyDeleteNow I know that England is pretty cool . We don't have post office boxes like that here .
ReplyDeleteLove the history lesson and the great shot.
ReplyDeleteInteresting stop...
Thanks for the very interesting and informative lesson on the English Postal Boxes. Makes me wonder about the history of the US Early Postal System. Great photos!
ReplyDeleteI do miss those post boxes over here in Spain!
ReplyDeleteGreat post!
XOXO Lola:)
This is such cool information! I doubt we have any postal boxes here that date back to Victorian times. We might, but I doubt it!
ReplyDeleteI love these boxes. I remember seeing green ones in Ireland.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great post for someone who would rather be in England than anywhere else in the world. I have always love the British posting boxes so it was fascinating to learn the history of them. I think this was a SUPER DUPER POST for the letter G.
ReplyDeleteThat post box is absolutely gorgeous, great shot! and thanks for the link tovyour friend's photo ... there are some gorgeous shots on that site!
ReplyDeleteWow - I had no idea the post boxes were 'named' and therefore 'dated'!!! This was a cool, cool post!!
ReplyDeleteHow interesting ! I never payed attention to that when I was in England ! Next time I'll do !
ReplyDeleteNow see...that is cool. Love. It.
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting and informative post!
ReplyDelete=)
PS. And I went and voted for your friend. Her photo is GREAT.
I already voted for her pictures...not sure if they'll let me vote again but I'll try.
ReplyDeleteThis is really a charming post. I love the GR post box and the thick layers of paint protecting that metal from the environment.
Thanks for a Great link to Alphabe-Thursday's letter "G".
This was fun today.
A+
Thanks for another informative and very interesting post!! Good work!!
ReplyDeleteOh my, I had no idea the story...I am glad to have come by and read it..for real...this was fascinating for me
ReplyDeleteI read through all the comments hoping some British dude would answer the question you posed. Feeling too lazy to google why the EViii whatever is most rare. I saw the GR but just thought it was something usual for Brits. Didn't realize there were differences. Great stuff for G.
ReplyDeleteThat is a rare sight! I wish our mail boxes were half as nice to look at.
ReplyDeleteIs it Edward the 8th?