A BRIEF HISTORY OF…

LETTER BOXES

Today a feature in nearly every front door across the country, the letter box is a key piece of door furniture. It only became commonplace in 1849, however, less then a decade after the post box was introduced, as postal reforms streamlined the way letters were sent. Prior to this, there was no need for letter boxes as letters were sent via servants, who took them between households, then later through the newly established post office. Yet, as more people learnt to read and write, and more letters were sent, the process had to be standardised and accessible to all classes. Initially the letter box was a hole covered with a wooden flap, but soon became more ornate, with cast iron a favoured material. Springs to keep the plate shut and draught-proofing measures were added to improve security and insulation. If you are lucky enough to have an original letter box, look after it well, and think of all the letters that have passed through it over the centuries.