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Project
No.1 coordinator Andrew Langdon,
Archaeological Recorder.
Recording
of Post Boxes in Cornwall
The Federation of Old Cornwall Societies, would like our members
to unite in collecting Cornish data each year on a different
theme. There are many different artifacts we could record
throughout the country that can be used by anyone to do
further research.
We
are in a far better position than most history groups and
societies; as we have a network spread across the whole
country and I think we should be using this to our advantage.
Several
recorders have noted Victorian post boxes and now with major
changes likely to the Royal Mail, I suggest a simple survey of
all post boxes particularly those in rural areas should be our
first project.
Notes about the Post box survey
The
aim of this survey is to encourage the recording of general
artifacts throughout Cornwall as a team. The Federation of
Old Cornwall Societies is in a much better position than
most history groups and societies, as we have a network of
societies throughout the county.
We should be using this to our advantage and working
together as a Federation to record historical data.
Although
several societies have recorded Victorian post boxes in
their area, no one has surveyed and recorded all of the post
boxes in Cornwall particularly the rural ones.
It is surprising how many different types there are.
Some of the changes to detail are subtle and require
a keen eye to spot the differences.
Who can take part in the survey?
The idea is for society recorders to record the
post boxes in each society’s area.
However, any-one can take part, either as part of a
team within a society or individually.
The results written on recording sheets can be
collected together by the society recorder and then passed,
posted or emailed to Andrew Langdon, the Federation
Archaeology Recorder who will collate the results and
present a report at the Federation AGM.
If an individual society wishes to retain copies of
the survey, the original forms can be photocopied and a copy
sent in.
Phil
Ellery of St Columb Society has provided the following URL's
of web sites which lists every Royal Mail post box in
Cornwall.
TR
POSTCODE AREA http://edwardbetts.com/postboxes/TR.html
PL
POSTCODE AREA http://edwardbetts.com/postboxes/PL.html
It
give a basic location and Street names. Now all we need is to
visit them to get a photo and record details of the boxes
Check List Where
possible take a location shot, one that shows the post box,
but also shows its location, and setting.
1
The address of the post box, please state the
name of the road or street, the name or number of any house
it is outside of.
2
The Royal Mail Post Box number is shown on the
white face plate that appears on all post boxes that are in
use. It is
normally at the bottom of the plate and consists of the
first part of the postal code, plus a number.
For example TR1
112. Please
note post boxes which are no longer in use and therefore
particularly important to record.
They are usually painted black with the letter
opening sealed up.
3
On the form please draw a circle around the type
of post box you are recording, a pillar box is an upright
cylindrical pillar, a pedestal box is a small post box set
on a pole or steel support.
Wall mounted boxes can be either set into an existing
wall or set into a brick pier or buttress.
The pole mounted post boxes are actually fixed to a
telegraph pole with brackets. Circle around other
and add your own note for any that do not meet the standard
types.
4
The Sovereign’s symbol or motif denotes the age
of the post box, whether it is Victorian, Edwardian etc.,
again there are many subtle differences, and not one type of
Victorian box. Add
any symbol or motif if not on the recording sheet.
5
If the post box displays a crown, one can cross
out either yes or no accordingly.
6
There is often a manufacturer’s name or mark on
the metalwork, sometimes it is difficult to read due to
layers of red paint; however some post boxes look the same
but were produced by different companies.
7
Record any unusual features about the post box,
sometimes the post boxes have an additional white surround
and not every box was painted red.
Record any additional features added to or fixed to
the post box.
8
Record any unusual positions that the post boxes
are in, do they reflect a change in society, a bygone age?
9
Is the post box still in everyday use?
Cross out either yes or no.
Please
add your name, contact details if you wish and your Old
Cornwall Society name.
Photography: This form can be saved as a MSWord document on your
computer and the form can be filled in and the image
inserted and emailed, or one can fill out the form by hand
and attach a photograph, either way is ok, it is the
information that is important.
Health and Safety:
Although most post boxes are easily accessible, for
obvious reasons, however some, particularly redundant ones
can be beside busy roads.
Please take the utmost care when recording and
photographing these post boxes, DO NOT STAND IN THE MIDDLE
OF THE ROAD TO TAKE A PHOTOGRAPH, OR PUT YOURSELF AT ANY
RISK .
Many
thanks, Andrew Langdon, Federation Archaeology Recorder, 34
Dobbs Lane, Truro TR1 3NB
Tele:
01872 271382, email : aglangdon[at]btinternet.com
replace[at] with @
Click
to download and print the recording form
To
submit your entry on-line click
to open a Word Document
Just
cancel the password box if it comes up.
White
Information plate that states the post box number,
  
manufacturer's
name and Monarch's symbols or motif.
Redundant
post boxes are sealed up, the white plate giving address and
post details is removed and the box painted black.
These are important to record as they could be removed in
the future.
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