The peterlee mailbox

The Peterlee Mailbox!

The Peterlee Mailbox is a small, unassuming postbox located in Peterlee, County Durham, England. However, it has gained a significant amount of attention and fame due to its unique design and the story behind it.

In 1961, the Royal Mail commissioned a design for a new postbox to commemorate the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. The design was created by a local artist, Jacqueline Gwatkin, who was inspired by the town's industrial heritage and the surrounding countryside. The resulting postbox was a striking, futuristic design with a curved shape and a distinctive "wing-like" roof.

The Peterlee Mailbox was one of the first postboxes to be designed specifically for a new town, which was built in the 1940s to provide housing for workers in the local coal mines. The town was designed by architect Louis de Soissons, who aimed to create a modern, planned community with a focus on social housing and community facilities.

The Peterlee Mailbox has become a beloved landmark in the town and a symbol of its unique history and identity. It has been featured in various publications, including the BBC's "Postbox" series, and has attracted visitors from all over the world.

In 2012, the Peterlee Mailbox was even granted Grade II listed status by English Heritage, recognizing its importance as a piece of architectural and cultural heritage.

So, the next time you're in Peterlee, be sure to stop by and take a photo with this iconic postbox!