Stratford: postbox № E15 1, Broadway

Image: © Chris Downer Taken: 1 Feb 2015

An example of a Victorian 'anonymous' postbox, so-called as it was cast between 1879 and 1887 when the 'VR' cipher was omitted from the front of the box. The higher position of the slot, interrupting the top ring, dates it to the first half of that eight-year period. This specimen is unfortunately carrying graffiti and also a drop box (see below). The box is one of many across the country which, during the last quarter of 2014, have had alterations made to the collection times as part of the Royal Mail's "Collection on Delivery" scheme. The box is now emptied during the postman's delivery round, hence the (not earlier than) 9am stated on the box for weekdays. Below that, it explains that the nearby box in Broadway has a 4pm or later collection (a little ambiguous since this box is also in Broadway); and that the box at 64 Abbey Lane has the area's latest weekday time, 6:30pm. The scheme, which is being rolled out nationwide in late 2014/early 2015, affects mainly suburban postboxes which average fewer than 50 items posted per day. The information plates of affected boxes will gradually be updated, as this one already has, giving details of the nearest box with an afternoon weekday collection. The scheme aims to maintain all postboxes in the current network, safeguarding their existence while not being a costly exercise to go round in the evenings collecting from boxes which have very little in them.

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