Raphael post boxes
Welcome
I have visited all these postboxes and I love them all for different reasons - these are all one of a kind!
Search Engine for Post Boxes
Find postboxes near you, or look for specific types, design royal cyphers and locate on a map by clicking on a result record. With the street view you will can actually see it.
ERROR
Click to locate on the map
Cypher | Type | Design | Colour | lat | lon | Notes | Visited |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
No | |||||||
No | |||||||
No | |||||||
No |
PENFOLD
postboxes
Penfold postboxes are iconic Victorian-era postboxes, introduced in 1866 and named after their designer, John Penfold. Unlike the more common cylindrical postboxes, Penfold postboxes are hexagonal in shape and are known for their ornate design, featuring intricate detailing such as acanthus leaves around the top and a decorative finial on the lid. These cast-iron postboxes were originally painted in a dark green color, as was customary in Victorian times, though many have since been repainted in the familiar red associated with British postboxes.
PILLAR
postboxes
Pillar postboxes, iconic features of British streets, are freestanding cylindrical or rectangular mailboxes first introduced in the 1850s. Originally designed to make letter posting more convenient, they are often painted in a striking red color, making them easily recognizable. These postboxes come in various designs, many bearing the royal cipher of the reigning monarch at the time they were installed, from Queen Victoria to Queen Elizabeth II and beyond. Over the years, their design has evolved, but they continue to serve as an enduring symbol of the British postal system, with many considered heritage landmarks today.
WALL
postboxes
Wall postboxes, a practical alternative to the freestanding pillar box, are mounted into walls or brickwork, typically found in rural areas and smaller villages. First introduced in the mid-19th century, these postboxes were designed to provide convenient access for postal services in locations where installing a pillar box was impractical. Like their pillar counterparts, they often feature the royal cipher of the reigning monarch, marking the period during which they were installed. Wall postboxes are usually painted in the signature red, though older versions may feature black or green. Today, they remain cherished fixtures of local communities, preserving a piece of postal history.
LAMP
postboxes
Lamp postboxes are compact, cylindrical mailboxes that are mounted onto lamp posts or other street furniture, typically found in urban and suburban areas. Introduced in the late 19th century, these smaller postboxes were designed to serve locations where space was limited or where foot traffic didn't justify a larger pillar or wall box. Like other British postboxes, lamp boxes usually bear the royal cipher of the reigning monarch and are painted in the characteristic red color. Despite their smaller size, they perform the same function as larger postboxes, blending utility with convenience in areas with narrower streets or dense urban settings. These postboxes are now historical relics, still used in some regions, and are often regarded as charming reminders of Britain's postal heritage.
LUDLOW
postboxes
Ludlow postboxes are a rare and distinctive type of postbox used primarily indoors in places like post offices or shops. Unlike the typical cast-iron, pillar-style postboxes seen outdoors, Ludlow postboxes are made of wood, giving them a unique and somewhat rustic appearance. Their wooden construction makes them more lightweight and often allows for intricate, detailed craftsmanship in their design. These postboxes were introduced around the late 19th and early 20th centuries and were produced by the company James Ludlow & Son of Birmingham, hence their name. The Ludlow boxes are wall-mounted and typically feature a smaller, more compact form, often with brass fittings and a polished finish. They are particularly favored in historic or rural areas where their traditional look blends in well with the surroundings. Today, Ludlow postboxes are highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts due to their rarity and connection to a bygone era of British postal history.
Join the Club
Join our email list and be a contributor