Raphael post boxes
Learn your postbox!
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.
VR
1837–1901
EVIIR
1901–1910
GR
1910–1936
EVIIIR
1936
LUDLOW
postboxes
Queen Victoria’s cypher appears on postboxes from her reign, especially the first roadside boxes. Many VR boxes, often in cast iron, are still visible today, particularly in older parts of Britain.
Postboxes from King Edward VII's reign bear this cypher, but fewer survive due to the brief duration of his reign.
King George V’s postboxes are more common. The “GR” cypher reflects the monarch's name and appears on many classic pillar boxes and wall boxes.
King Edward VIII’s cypher is rare on postboxes due to his short reign and abdication. These postboxes are considered highly collectible.
Queen Elizabeth II’s reign saw widespread postbox installation, and many current postboxes display her EIIR cypher. In Scotland, however, her boxes often lack this cypher due to historical sensitivities.
If you want to know more about post boxes in the UK, I suggest the following:
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LBSG: They are dedicated to the research and preservation of British postboxes - the gatekeepers basically
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OSM: where I got 75% of my information; check this for some cool stats
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Overpass-turbo: what gave me hope when I started
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British Postal Museum: provides a rich resource for understanding the broader history of postal services in the UK, including postboxes. They offer exhibitions, collections, and educational materials on the subject
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BBC article: 500 years of Royal Mail
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The social history: Royal Mail history starting from Charles I
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https://victorianweb.org/: everything about victorian period, including postboxes
Difference between type_e and type_d is very subtle and was explained to me by Ivan (Dunkaist) an OSM contributor, and I can now see details updated on this in https://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/Key:post_box:design.
Here is the extract:
type_e: Elliptic cylinder shaped freestanding pillar box with one slot for mail at one end and a stamp vending machine at the other. The type E is smaller than the type D and can be distinguished from the type D by the words "Post" and "Office" being on two lines under the royal cypher on the type E.
type_d:Elliptic cylinder shaped freestanding pillar box with one slot for mail at one end and a stamp vending machine at the other. The type D is larger than the type E and can be distinguished from the type E by the words "Post Office" being on one line under the royal cypher on the type D.