Royal.mail.post box

A classic British institution!

A Royal Mail post box is a iconic red post box used by the Royal Mail, the United Kingdom's postal service, to collect mail from the public. Here are some interesting facts about Royal Mail post boxes:

  1. Red color: The distinctive red color of Royal Mail post boxes was introduced in 1874 to make them more visible and easily recognizable.
  2. Design: The design of the post box has remained largely unchanged since its introduction. The classic design features a rectangular shape with a sloping roof, a hinged lid, and a slot for inserting mail.
  3. Number of post boxes: There are over 115,000 post boxes in the UK, making them a ubiquitous part of British culture.
  4. History: The first post box was introduced in 1852, and the design has evolved over the years to include various features such as the addition of a lock and key in 1855.
  5. Special post boxes: There are several special post boxes in the UK, including:
    • Pillar boxes: Tall, freestanding post boxes that were introduced in the late 19th century.
    • Telephone kiosks: Some post boxes are integrated into telephone kiosks, providing a convenient place to send mail and make phone calls.
    • Special commemorative post boxes: These post boxes are designed to commemorate special events or anniversaries, such as the Queen's Golden Jubilee in 2002.
  6. Maintenance: Royal Mail maintains the post boxes, which are inspected regularly to ensure they are in good condition and functioning properly.
  7. Collectibility: Vintage post boxes are highly collectible, and some rare and unique designs can fetch high prices at auction.
  8. Royal Mail's heritage: The post box is an important part of Royal Mail's heritage, and the company takes great pride in its history and tradition.

Overall, Royal Mail post boxes are an iconic part of British culture and a symbol of the country's rich postal heritage.