post box

Cast-iron wall-mounted post box, erected c. 1940, having 'P&T' (Department of Posts and Telegraphs) in Gaelic script cipher to head and 'W. T. Allen and Company of London' foundry mark to base. Set in roughly coursed limestone boundary wall outside Laughil National School (13401925), now derelict, and to the northeast of Ardagh.

This attractive item of street furniture has a subtle impact on the historic character of the rural landscape to the northeast of Ardagh. The modest design of the box is enhanced by the various raised elements. The Celtic style lettering is interesting as a subtle historic reminder of the promotion of a national identity upon the establishment of an independent state. This particular design probably dates to after c. 1937 (which is the date the school was built) as earlier post-independence post boxes had a 'SE' cipher. It was cast by W.T. Allen and Company of London (1881 - 1955), who were responsible for many of the wall-mounted cast-iron post boxes in North Leinster. Sited beside a disused primary school (13401925), it provided an important social function at a formerly busy site.