The Royal Mail has pledged to work with Historic England to preserve and conserve the post box network, and also act under equivilant agreements in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Royal Mail writes:
Royal Mail and Historic England (formerly English Heritage) have launched a new commitment to preserve the character and heritage of England’s post boxes, recognising their vital role in connecting communities and businesses across the UK as well as being cherished local landmarks.
Under the policy, Royal Mail has committed to manage, repair and conserve its network of post boxes in their existing locations, unless exceptional circumstances or operational need necessitates their relocation or removal.
The new policy renews Historic England’s commitment to work constructively with Royal Mail through current heritage protection systems to find the best ways to ensure that post boxes are retained and well cared for wherever possible.
It also sets out how we work to prevent any unlawful damage or removal of our post boxes. In the event of a crime being committed, we will work with local policing teams as well as community groups to investigate such cases and prosecute those suspected of criminal activity.
Post boxes have a very special place in our heritage, with some boxes having deep connections to prominent people and places. Each has a story to tell and many have particular meaning for local communities. They are also an icon of the UK’s postal system, recognised around the world.
Sue Whalley, Royal Mail’s Chief Operating Officer, said: “There are around 115,300 pillar, wall and lamp boxes nationwide and there is a post box within half a mile of over 98% of the UK population. Some post boxes are rarer than others and some have a very special place in our heritage. They are also an icon of the UK’s postal system around the world. We are proud of our much-loved post boxes and go to great lengths to maintain and repair them. The agreement will be adapted to reflect the individualities of post boxes across the UK, with equivalent policies with Historic Scotland, Historic Wales and Historic Northern Ireland. We believe this policy will help ensure the preservation of all post boxes for future generations.”
Business Minister Baroness Neville Rolfe, said: “This innovative partnership will make sure our unique postal heritage is protected for future generations. Britain’s historic post boxes have been a familiar sight on our streets for over 150 years and are a great example of our world-famous heritage.”
Duncan Wilson, Chief Executive of Historic England, said: “Post boxes are a cherished feature of British streets, adding character, colour and historic depth. Around 200 of the oldest and most rare are listed but all are important to our heritage. We are happy to have signed this agreement with Royal Mail which seeks innovative ways to respond to crime prevention and ensures the care and retention of post boxes for future generations.”
Post boxes were instrumental in changing the postal service during the latter half of the 19th century as they were installed across the UK. The roadside post box was introduced in Britain following the 1840 postal reform which provided for universal affordable postage.
The novelist and General Post Office official Anthony Trollope adopted the idea of a locked roadside box and regular collection times for mail from continental Europe, and the first free-standing post boxes were installed in the Channel Islands in 1852. This extended to mainland Britain in 1853. The first London boxes were erected in 1855 and rolled out across the country over the following decades.
The new policy has been drawn up in consultation with the Letter Box Study Group and the British Postal Museum & Archive (referred to as The Postal Museum in the policy).
It replaces the original policy dating from 2002 and has been reviewed to encompass changes at both Royal Mail and Historic England. It also reflects changes to the legislation and regulation relating to post boxes. The joint policy can be accessed via the Royal Mail website.
