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In all created nature, there is not perhaps anything so completely ugly as a
pillar box .... an object full of civic dignity, the treasure house of a thousand secrets,
the fortress of a thousand souls there it stands at all our street corners, disguising one
of the most beautiful of ideas under one of the most preposterous of forms
G.K. Chesterton
Whether you agree or disagree with the sentiments expressed above, Alcester is very privileged in having within a distance of four miles letter boxes erected during the reigns of five monarchs:-- Victoria, Edward VII, George V and George VI and Elizabeth II. There are no Edward VIII boxes in Warwickshire.
There are four which should be specifically mentioned:
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Spernall Ash: VR 1855 -1860 Penfold hexagonal type Fortunately, this has been restored and re-painted to its old glory largely due to a petition from Redditch Philatelic Society |
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| 2.
Oversley Bridge VR 1861 - 1867 Wall box, surrounded by roses |
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| 3.
Priory Road, Alcester VR 1882 - 1885 Wall box beside the 'Lord Nelson’ Inn |
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| 4.
Wood Bevington K E VII Since 1904 Wall box |
These boxes are part of our heritage and every effort should be made to see that they are preserved.
© John Donaldson 1988 - Alcester & District Local History Society
