plymouth post office (1848)

11 Whimple Street

Photograph © Pierre Terre and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence

Architect
O. C. Arthur

Year
1848

Selected bibliographical references
North Devon Journal 8 Apr 1847, p. 3

Royal Cornwall Gazette 23 Jun 1848, p. 3

Western Times 28 Oct 1848, p. 5

Woolmer's Exeter and Plymouth Gazette 3 Jun 1848, p. 8

History
Reported cost of building: £3000
Opened: Jun 1848
Closed
Current use: Restaurant ("Cafe Rouge")

Building description

From: North Devon Journal 8 April 1847, p. 3

The necessary excavations for the New Post-office in Whimple-street now being made with all possible dispatch. We understand that building will consist of two fronts, one in Wimple-street [sic] and the other in St. Andrew street. The former, being the greater length, will consist of an arcade, supporting six Corinthian pilasters, with entablature and pierced balustrade; whilst the latter will comprise only four pilasters, the entire height of the building from the street level being 44 feet.  The attention of the architect has been directed not only to the exterior but also to the interior, to enable him to produce an edifice in every respect suited to the purpose. As the ground would not admit of a portico, an arcade has been adopted, so that the public may be sheltered from the weather. The internal fittings of the Post Office will be arranged under the direction of the District Surveyor, and we may reasonably anticipate that every possible means will adopted for that dispatch so necessary in this department The contract for the entire works has been taken by Mr. Mitchell, and it is to be regretted that the wish of the architect to have tbe arcade constructed with granite cannot be complied with by the promoters, as the rental given by the Government is insufficient for the additional outlay. About May, 1848, the whole will be completed.