post box

Freestanding cast-iron pillar box, c.1905, with 'ER VII' royal cipher and raised crown motif. Located to the west end of Mullingar.

This cast-iron pillar box is an important feature in the streetscape to the west end of Mullingar. The modest design of the 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 rarer sight and are worthy of retention. This pillar box now acts a subtle and well-made historical artefact, adding incident to Patrick Street. As one of the few pillar boxes in Westmeath this is a rare example of its type in the area.