Royal mail stone

You're referring to the iconic Royal Mail pillar box!

The Royal Mail pillar box is a distinctive red post box designed by John Steley, a British engineer, in 1852. The design was intended to be a temporary solution, but it became an iconic symbol of the British postal system and has remained largely unchanged to this day.

Here are some interesting facts about the Royal Mail pillar box:

  1. Red color: The pillar box is painted a bright red color to make it easily visible from a distance. The exact shade of red is known as "Royal Mail Red."
  2. Design: The original design featured a flat top and a rounded body. Over the years, the design has undergone slight modifications, but the basic shape has remained the same.
  3. Size: The standard pillar box is about 3 feet (90 cm) tall and 1 foot (30 cm) wide.
  4. Capacity: The box can hold around 300-400 letters and postcards.
  5. Installation: The first pillar box was installed in London in 1852. Today, there are over 115,000 pillar boxes across the UK.
  6. Maintenance: Royal Mail maintains the pillar boxes, which are inspected regularly to ensure they remain in good condition.
  7. Historic significance: The pillar box has become an important part of British history and culture, with many vintage models being preserved and displayed in museums and private collections.
  8. Variations: Over the years, Royal Mail has introduced special edition pillar boxes to commemorate significant events, such as the Queen's Golden Jubilee or the London 2012 Olympics.

The Royal Mail pillar box is an enduring symbol of the British postal system, and its iconic design has become synonymous with the country's rich history and tradition.