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Home , General Post Office, Historic England, Letter box, Pillar box, Postal museum, Post box

Royal Post A Joint Policy Statement by and Historic

In consultation with the Study Group and The Postal Notice to the public on the first use of pillar boxes by the British , Times, November 1852, POST 118/2021. Copyright The British & Archive, 2015

Front cover: (Top left) Victorian ‘fluted’ , near Bournemouth, with a vertical posting aperture seen in some early boxes. (Top right) A classic ER and young enthusiast (Bottom) Manufacture of cast iron post boxes at Machan Engineering in , (picture by Getty Images)

2 A Royal Mail post box stands within half a mile of over 98%“ of the UK population. They are as familiar as they are practically useful. They also represent the living history of communication, which forms such an important aspect of our daily lives, as well as engineering, design and manufacturing. There are around 115,500 pillar, wall, and lamp boxes across the UK. Some post boxes are rarer than others and some have very special places in our heritage. Some boxes have deep connections to prominent people and places. Each has a story to tell and many have particular meaning for local communities. They are also an icon of the UK’s postal system recognised around the world. In 2002, and Royal Mail, with the approval of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, agreed a joint policy for the retention and conservation of Royal Mail post boxes. Since the joint policy was introduced, new challenges and developments have led us to review it. These include changes at both Royal Mail and Historic England (formerly English Heritage), and in legislation and regulation. We have now formally renewed and updated the policy, after consultation with The Postal Museum and the Study Group. The new policy confirms our commitment to the conservation of the historic character and diversity of post boxes. Our renewed policy sets out how Royal Mail intends to continue to manage and conserve the post box estate. The agreement will be adapted to reflect the individualities of post boxes across the UK with equivalent joint policies with , Historic and Historic Northern . We believe this policy will help ensure the preservation of post boxes for future generations.” Sue Whalley, Chief Operations Officer, Royal Mail Group Duncan Wilson, Chief Executive, Historic England July 2015

3 Introduction

Royal Mail post boxes are a cherished feature of the British street furniture scene. As well as being in daily operational use for an essential public service, they are national treasures. Currently there are over 85,000 in England and 115,500 across the UK as a whole. In England, a small number are listed buildings. Post boxes make a significant contribution to the character and appearance of the areas in which they are located. In 2002, English Heritage (now Historic England) and Royal Mail, with the approval of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), agreed a joint policy for the retention and conservation of all Royal Mail post boxes. After consultation with The Postal Museum (formally the British Postal Museum & Archive) and the Letter Box Study Group (LBSG), the parties have decided to renew and 1864 design (later adapted) by J.W. Penfold for a standard pillar box for the whole country. update the policy. Many post boxes are now regarded as POST 30/173B. ©Royal Mail, 2015, courtesy of ‘undesignated heritage assets’ and some of the oldest and the British Postal Museum & Archive rarest have been given ‘designated heritage asset’ status beginnings, boxes have usually by listing. carried the insignia, or cipher, of the monarch reigning at the time The Government’s planning policy, the National Planning of placement. Policy Guidance 2012, stresses the desirability of retaining More than 60% of current British undesignated heritage assets where appropriate. Good post boxes carry the EIIR mark of practice is moving towards managing heritage assets by Queen Elizabeth II or a Scottish agreement between owners and planning authority, as crown. Boxes from the reign of encouraged by the Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act account for about 15% 2013. This document sets out how Royal Mail intends to of the total. There are smaller numbers, in descending order, of do this. boxes from the reigns of George VI, Victoria, and Edward VII. The Letter Box Study Group has identified 171 boxes surviving Post Boxes – a brief history from the short 1936 reign of Edward VIII. The roadside post box was where stamped letters could be Aside from the monarchical introduced in Britain following deposited. insignia, there have been various mostly evolutionary changes in the 1840 postal reform which The novelist , provided for universal affordable the design and manufacture of a (GPO) post boxes. Some of the first post postage. New adhesive stamps official sent to Jersey to make made pre-payment of postage boxes were hexagonal in shape, recommendations, provided a but a wide variety of designs easy. However, letters usually solution. He adopted a system quickly appeared. From 1857 had to be taken to the nearest used on the Continent of wall box-type post boxes came letter receiving office which placing locked cast-iron pillar into use for fixing into existing could be miles away. This, boxes at the roadside and the walls. In 1859 an improved together with the growth in provision of regular collection cylindrical design of pillar box demand for postal services times. His scheme began in the was created for standard use linked to industrialisation and in 1852 and nationwide. This design had urbanisation, led to the need for was extended to the mainland its posting aperture positioned many more convenient places in 1853. Since these Victorian beneath a cap for greater

4 Policy Guidance

Statutory Requirements the absence of any agreement, post boxes installed on private Royal Mail has a statutory right property will remain in Royal to place and retain post boxes Mail ownership under the terms in the street under paragraph 1, of a deemed contractual licence. Schedule 6 of the Postal Services Royal Mail can be required, upon Act 2000. Ownership remains reasonable notice, to remove the with Royal Mail. The consent post box and make good the site. of the Highway Authority is not required for the installation • Under the provisions of the of a post box on the public Postal Services Act 2011, the highway, but in practice Royal postal services regulator Mail will always liaise with the has decided to place specific E2R 1990s pillar box and decommissioned Highway Authority and obtain its requirements on Royal Mail GR wall box. Boxes should be painted black and sealed if they are taken out of service clearance for the proposed post in regards to its provision of but remain in situ, as this one near Bury St box prior to installation. post boxes. Under Designated Edmunds. Picture by Andrew Young. Universal Service Provision 1.8, • Planning permission is Royal Mail is required to provide protection from rainwater. This not normally required for the a post box within half a mile of at standardised design of 1859 was installation of a post box. Post least 98% of addresses in the UK. itself soon followed by a variety boxes have deemed planning Royal Mail’s post box network of new designs, notably the permission by virtue of the Town meets these requirements. elegant hexagonal box, first seen &Country Planning (General in 1866, with a cap decorated Permitted Development) Order Listing with acanthus leaves designed by 1995, as amended. JW Penfold. In 1972 the Department of the • A Street Works Licence is Environment – the government By the end of the century there not usually required for the department then dealing with were over 33,500 post boxes, with installation of a post box as Royal the national listing process – many more found throughout the Mail is a statutory undertaker. recognised that some rare . • On private property, the early examples of pillar-type In all, the Letter Box Study consent of the site owner post boxes dating from the Group has identified, described is always required for the period 1852–79, such as and catalogued around 800 installation of a post box. In hexagonal Penfold post boxes, different types of post box. Among other variants are double aperture oval boxes and wood- bodied, metal faced wall boxes commonly placed in the walls and windows of sub Post Offices. Other designs have included rectangular specimens (1968 and 1974) and a distinctively modern cylindrical pillar box of 1980. About two dozen contractors have been engaged to make post boxes since 1852. The names – including Carron, WT Allen, Cochrane, Handyside and McDowall Steven – can be seen embossed or otherwise credited on boxes. New pillar- type post boxes presently being produced reflect the design and engineering patterns that have Michael Williamson, Chairman of the Trollope Society, in , , to mark the now served the posting public for bicentenary of novelist Anthony Trollope’s birth and recognise Tollope’s role in introducing pillar upwards of 150 years. boxes to the UK.

5 were of special architectural or of post boxes that are eligible for Relocation or Removal historic interest. listing have been included on the Royal Mail policy is for the statutory List, and can be found In addition some wall boxes have retention of all post boxes in on the National Heritage List for been included as a result of operational service in their England. Many local authorities being part of the listed structure existing positions, unless compile lists of buildings of local in which they are set or within circumstances or operational interest and many more post the curtilage. About 200 boxes need necessitates their boxes are included as part of of various different types are relocation, or removal. Listed local designation. listed at present in England. post boxes will only be moved Many more post boxes are The Importance of Heritage in exceptional circumstances, included in a conservation area Royal Mail and Historic England and this will require Listed or on a ‘Local List’. are aware that some post boxes Building Consent. Royal Mail has renewed its have greater historic importance • The relocation of post boxes policy, which Historic England than others. Three main will normally only be agreed supports, for the retention of factors determine the heritage if reasonably required by a all post boxes in operational credentials: age, rarity and highway authority or other site service at their existing locations, historic or townscape value. The owner, or if relocation is needed unless certain exceptional earliest boxes deserve special for an important operational circumstances or operational protection as do boxes which are reason. Operational grounds need necessitates their either unique or are known to justifying the relocation of a post relocation or removal. While exist in small numbers. Some box may include cases where the current Royal Mail policy boxes are historically important changes in the street make it remains in place, as a general because of the significant part no longer convenient or safe for rule the Secretary of State for played in the development of the public to use the post box, Culture, Media and Sport sees post box provision. or where servicing the box is no reason to revise the current The Postal Museum and The not lawful or safe due to new criteria for listing post boxes and Letter Box Study Group act as traffic regulations or road safety will not add further post boxes consultants to Royal Mail and considerations. The closure and to the List unless exceptional Historic England on heritage relocation of a post office can circumstances apply. matters. The Postal Museum also sometimes give rise to an Historic England has produced holds the National Collection operational need to relocate a selection guidance for listing of post boxes which covers post box. street furniture and the majority many types. • In the case of post boxes which are already listed, Listed Building Consent will be required for any works of alteration or relocation. However, where there are sound reasons for relocating a post box for its physical protection and an appropriate new site has been identified, listed building consent would normally be approved if a sound case has been made. Historic England Designation will need to be made aware as part of the process so they can amend the listing. • Whether listed or not, if a post box of historic interest is removed from its original site it will, so far as is practicable, be reinstated within the same locality. If it is no longer fit for operational use, it will be offered Advertising leaflet by James Ludlow for the supply of post boxes for Town Sub-Offices, POST to a local Registered/Accredited 33/1898A. Copyright Royal Mail, 2015, courtesy of the British Postal Museum & Archive museum or other appropriate

6 • Wherever practicable, a post or of local historical interest, it box of any type that has been is Royal Mail policy to leave it in removed and not immediately situ. Royal Mail will arrange for relocated will be retained for the aperture to be sealed, for future operational use, following the box to be painted in a colour any necessary refurbishment. other than red (normally black); • A post box will not be disposed and make local arrangements of if it can be repaired and for ongoing maintenance. These refurbished so it is fit for future conditions will usually require operational service. If the agreement by site owners. Royal condition of the post box is such Mail will ensure that the required that repair is not practicable consents are obtained, in writing, and it is not of historic interest, or retain the responsibility itself. serviceable parts will be • Pouch boxes will no longer be salvaged for the future repair attached to the exterior of post of operational post boxes boxes; where this has occurred where possible. in the past, they will be removed as soon as practicable. • Sometimes requests are VR 1870s wall box. This splendid edifice, made to Royal Mail from the • If any problems arise in looking like a wayside shrine, was built by a local parson. Picture by Martin Robinson. owners of private property regard to individual examples, for the removal of wall boxes those concerned should contact local institution, exhibited at installed at their premises. If postbox.appearance@royalmail. local Royal Mail premises, or the wall box concerned is not com, or write to The National offered to The Postal Museum; in a listed building nor of local Street Furniture Manager, Royal or offered as a source of spare historical interest (i.e. not on Mail Group Property, Bletchley parts to Royal Mail engineers. the local authority’s local list Delivery Office, Dane Road, In all cases the keys should and not in a conservation area Bletchley, MK1 1AS. be retained with the box so or World Heritage Site), Royal Unlawful Removal and Damage wherever possible the lock, as Mail has a legal responsibility fitted, is retained in operational to carry out its removal within a The unlawful removal or damage use. In all cases Royal Mail reasonable period. If the wall box of a post box from a community should prepare appropriate is attached to a listed building or can result in the interruption in paperwork which identifies structure, listed building consent an essential public service and the provenance of the box and is required for its removal. If the permanent and irreversible verifies the legitimate nature of the wall box is a local feature loss of an object that is its decommissioning. • Where relocation is proposed, prior written notification should always be made to the conservation officer in the planning department or the appropriate contact in the highways department of the relevant local authority. This should ensure that careful consideration is given to the need to relocate the box and assist in identifying an appropriate new site. The removal of all post boxes will be carried out by contractors appointed by Royal Mail, and not by any other contractor. Special care is to be used in removing cast-iron boxes, which can be brittle and prone to shatter, to avoid damage.

7 committed such measures below).No variation is allowed, will also assist investigators to except in very exceptional identify and trace stolen property circumstances where there are and potential offenders. genuine historical reasons, such Those individuals and as the use of bronze-green livery organisations involved in the for some early boxes, light blue trade of cultural property should for some boxes, and be encouraged of the need to the 110 boxes painted gold in undertake all reasonable checks celebration of the London 2012 to establish provenance and British Olympic and Paralympic rightful ownership of property champions. that has come into their • Post boxes will be repainted possession and control. on a rolling cycle. Each post box These activities should be will be fully repainted to a high complemented by highlighting specification. This process will GR 1930s pillar box. A ‘K4 Vermillion Giant’: be audited to ensure quality a telephone kiosk, a post box and two stamp high risk locations to local vending machines combined. This one is in policing teams, crime compliance. Queries, comments Whitley Bay. Picture by Howard Wilson investigators and the wider and complaints may be community, in particular local addressed to the contact points intrinsically linked to the cultural Neighbourhood Watch Schemes. listed on page 11. heritage of the host community. The delivery of intelligent and • Local circumstances may Heritage and Cultural Property efficient law enforcement activity require some post boxes to be Crime poses a significant threat in financially challenging times painted more frequently (e.g. both to the historic environment must focus on ‘collective efficacy’ locations – such as coastal and to the security of cultural - law enforcement professionals sites – where abnormal levels property, including post boxes. working with local people and of deterioration occur). This The majority of losses can partner agencies to protect post provision also applies to boxes be attributed to road traffic boxes from the impact of theft in particularly visible locations, collisions and vandalism. The and criminal damage. such as outside major tourist remainder can be attributed to attractions and Royal Mail unregulated removal and theft. Decoration and Maintenance premises. In this regard, post boxes can Royal Mail practice remains • All paint must be lead-free be particularly vulnerable to the same: and of the correct specification criminal activity where they • All Royal Mail post boxes will (Royal Mail red, colour ref no. are located within remote or be painted in standard red and 538BS381C and Black, colour isolated rural localities. Given black livery (see BS for colours ref no. 00E53, BS4800). the changing profile of this type of crime, we must be vigilant and find innovative ways together to respond to the challenges we face in seeking to play our part in conserving our cultural heritage for future generations. Crime Prevention Measures and Enforcement The prevention of crime will always be the primary objective and every opportunity should be taken to identify potential high-risk crime locations and to deploy appropriate preventative measures and technologies. These will include forensic tags, permanent metal marking systems and electronic tracking. In the event that a crime is Gold post box to celebrate Philip Hindes’ Men’s Cycling Team Sprint gold medal at the London 2012 Olympic Games.

8 • A number of local authorities and Paralympic Games in 2012. have attempted to apply Many of these have become unsuitable anti-graffiti finishes tourist attractions in their own to post boxes. These anti- right. In recognition of the graffiti coatings are wholly positive public reaction to the inappropriate for post boxes and gold post box initiative, these are not permitted. Royal Mail has will be kept gold permanently. developed its own high-quality Royal Mail has decided to give anti-graffiti finish, but this is only gold post boxes a plaque, noting suitable for pouch boxes and new the achievement of the athlete post boxes. All other post boxes commemorated. will be painted using lead-free • In certain cases Royal Mail gloss paint unless the materials chooses to install plaques on or preclude the use of paint or adjacent to post boxes of special renders it unnecessary. interest. Examples include the • The highlighting of specific first pillar boxes to be installed features on post boxes, such in London, to celebrate the bi­ One of the newest design lamp boxes from as the Royal cipher and crown centenary of Anthony Trollope; Aberbechan. Photo Gerry Cork. in gold, is not normally allowed and the box at the former home other than in exceptional of Charles Dickens near Higham, or other appropriate local circumstances on some pillar . These plaques should be institution, exhibited at local boxes where there is historical durable, corrosion resistant and Royal Mail premises, or offered precedence. Where gold well-maintained. On occasion to The Postal Museum. highlighting is used, it should Royal Mail also places temporary be applied to the Royal cipher displays on post boxes. • Also of increasing rarity are and crown only. No other enamel-plated Ludlow type • Surviving oval enamel Post graphic elements or wording boxes originally often sited at Office directions signs and on the box (e.g. Royal Mail sub-post offices and Town Sub Airmail signs on the caps or the manufacturer’s name) Offices. These boxes, and other of some pillar boxes are should be treated in this way. similar examples including so- increasingly rare and normally Lettering enamel should be used called carpenters’ boxes, have should be repaired and, where and covered with a varnish to a wooden carcass which are practically possible, restored minimise weathering. particularly vulnerable when rather than removed. If a disturbed. Special care should be An exception is to be made in specimen is no longer fit for taken of all Ludlow boxes if they regard to post boxes officially operational use, it should be have to be removed or taken out painted gold during the Olympic offered to a local museum of service. • Robust fault reporting systems must be put in place to ensure the speedy repair and maintenance of post boxes. • In exceptional circumstances, special local arrangements may be necessary for post boxes that are sited on busy roads where dirt can accumulate quickly to be washed regularly to ensure a smart appearance. These post boxes have a high visibility and must be kept as clean as possible. • Flyposting and graffiti should be removed as soon as possible. Royal Mail will prosecute any person apprehended defacing, VR 1855 pillar box. Box Number One, London’s first pillar box, was erected three years after Trollope adopted the concept from . Illustrated London News. POST 118/2114. vandalising or otherwise © The British Postal Museum & Archive, 2015 damaging post boxes.

9 This joint policy statement will serve as a code and guide for Royal Mail staff responsible for the management and maintenance of the national stock of post boxes. It will serve as guidance for local authority planning, conservation and highways staff; for those involved in managing change for the local amenity societies; for interest groups; and for the general public. Royal Mail will ensure that all those within its organisation who have responsibilities in connection with the post box estate are aware of this document and that it forms official Royal Mail policy. It will be given a permanent home on the Royal Mail website and drawn to the attention of any contractors or sub-contractors undertaking post box work as part of the contract. Third parties – such as local authority planning departments and the – will also be apprised. Royal Mail also undertakes to ensure that the policy is brought to the attention of those who need to be aware of it on a regular basis. Royal Mail post boxes add richness, colour and historical depth to the street scene and are so highly regarded that they have become part of the national image. This statement guarantees a secure long-term future for Royal Mail post boxes of all types.

VR pillar box c1863. The ‘ Special’ is unique to the city. The local had them made to better accept larger volumes of mail, including newspapers, being posted. Picture by Martin Robinson.

10 FURTHER READING FURTHER INFORMATION The extensive records maintained within The Further information on Royal Mail post boxes Royal Mail Archive and by The Postal Museum, manufactured and installed from 1852 to the together with The Directory compiled by the Letter present can be obtained from: Box Study Group, mean that post boxes are well documented. Useful further reference works The National Street Furniture Manager include: Royal Mail Group Property Bletchley Delivery Office History Dane Road The Letter Box: A History of Bletchley MK1 1AS Post Office Pillar and Wallboxes by Jean Farrugia Tel 07736 787181 (Centaur Press, 1969) Old Letter Boxes by Martin Robinson (Shire, 2000) British Postal Museum & Archive Freeling House, Phoenix Place The Directory by The Letter Box Study Group Mount Pleasant The Guide to British Letter Boxes by The Letter London WC1X 0DL Box Study Group Tel: 020 7239 2570 Pillar Boxes by Jonathan Glancey Web: www.postalheritage.org.uk (Chatto&Windus, 1990) Search room open Mon to Fri 9.00 am to 4.15 pm Street Furniture by Henry Aaron (Shire, 1987) (except Bank Holidays and week) Britain’s Post Office: A History of Development The Postal Museum, due to open in Central London from the Beginnings to the Present Day by in 2016, is a new, national attraction revealing five H Robinson ( University Press, 1953) centuries of Britain’s social and communications Policy history through an iconic service. National Planning Policy Framework and Planning To find out more about this major project visit www.postalmuseum.org Practice Guidance Department for Communities and Local Government, 2012& 2014 The Letter Box Study Group Manual For Streets 1 and 2 Department for 38 Leopold Avenue Transport and Department for Communities and Handsworth Wood Local Government, 200? & B20 1ES Streets for All: Regional Streetscape Manuals Email: [email protected] English Heritage, 2000& 2005 Web: www.lbsg.org

Other relevant information can be obtained from:

USEFUL CONTACTS Firefly House Kemble Drive SN2 2EH Tel: 01793 414779 Email: [email protected] Web: www.english-heritage.org.uk/professional/ archives-and-collections/ Department for Culture, Media and Sport 4th Floor, 100 Parliament Street London, SW1A 2BQ Tel: 020 7211 6000 Fax: 020 7211 6210 Email: [email protected] Web: www.culture.gov.uk EviiR 1900s Type A pillar box opposite ’s Royal Pavilion. Picture by Mike Smith.

11 EiiR 1970s pillar boxes. A pair of Type G pillar boxes; a development of an earlier 1968 design of square pillar box by David Mellor. Picture by Simon Vaughan Winter.