Within the pre-write-up box period, there are actually two principal procedures for providing correspondence; senders might be necessitated to get their mail to some Obtaining Residence, or would await the Bellman. The latter would patrol the streets, accumulating post from the community. As a way to differentiate himself, and make his presence recognised, the Bellman might have on a uniform and ring a bell.
It was at 1852 that the recommendation of highway-aspect containers finally turned a reality, that has a trial proposed for the Channel Islands. 3 Solid-iron pillar packing containers were set up on Jersey to test out the latest procedure.
The good results While using the experiment brought on Yet one more 4 currently being put on Guernsey, a single of those now forms portion while in the British Postal Museum & Archive collection. Letter packing containers then started showing up around the mainland as of 1853.
Nonetheless, there were up to now no universal pillar box structure during which we're currently familiar. Design and style and manufacture was Using the discretion of neighborhood authorities, and it is at 1859 that tries have been created to standardise the buildings.
Horizontal slits became the favoured solution in excess of vertical ones, and experienced turn into the norm in letterbox structure. Even further enhancements on the primary incorporated the addition Along with the protruding cap to protect the contents inside the elements.
As of 1859, the box was to be available by fifty p.c sizes; a more significant and broader sizing for highly populated places, in addition to a lesser Model for in other places. Having said that, the standardised pillar packing containers would not receive common acclaim. It absolutely was contrary to your backdrop of these types of criticism how the Liverpool Particular was formulated.
This prompted the Write-up Place of work (opened in 1861) to provide An additional standard letter box in 1866. Once again, That is not a large accomplishment hence, an extra structure arrived 1879. This last design and style might be the one with which we have been accustomed to currently. It had been 24 months ahead of this which the iconic pink colour from the put up boxes turned a normal attribute.
Prior to now, quite possibly the most very well-favored colour solution was environmentally friendly to be able to Mix in While using the inexperienced British pastures. However, next a barrage of complaints how the buildings have been to tricky to Track down this can camouflage, it was agreed that brilliant red was the best choice. The programme of re-painting lasted for decade.
For men and women most importantly, the introduction and refinement of letter packing containers enhanced the ability for sending and receiving mail without difficulty. Except outsized parcel delivery, folks were afforded entry to some delivery support hardly ever in advance of witnessed get more info in Excellent Britain.