post box

Freestanding cast-iron pillar post box, erected c. 1905. Moulded neck and cap, crown and Edward VII insignia. Situated on a footpath in a prominent location at the centre of Longford Town, close to the current location of the post office.

This cast-iron post box forms an attractive addition to the streetscape. The modest design of the pillar box is enhanced by the royal cipher with crown motif, which enlivens the appearance of this otherwise functional object. It identifies the reign of Edward VII (1901 - 1910). Many pre-independence post boxes were simply painted green and retained their royal insignia but are becoming a rare sight and are worthy of retention. The raised insignia demonstrates the artistic qualities of mass production at the time of its casting. This prominently-sited pillar box now acts a subtle and well-made historical artefact, adding incident to Main Street, Longford Town. It is one of the few pillar boxes in County Longford.