BIDEFORD POST OFFICE
73 High Street
Photograph © Stacey Harris via Geograph and licensed for reuse under a Creative Commons Licence
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Architect: George Malam Wilson
Year: 1886 Archive sources British Postal Museum and Archive: POST 118/1302 (photograph) Selected bibliographical references Exeter and Plymouth Gazette 14 May 1886, p. 5 North Devon Journal 20 May 1886, p. 8; 1 Jul 1886, p. 8 History Opened: 24 Jun 1886 Closed Current use: Betting shop |
Building description
From: North Devon Journal 20 May 1886, p. 8
Bideford has of late shewn unmistakable signs that it is in sympathy with the advancing spirit of the age. One indication, the force of which cannot be given too much weight, is the continued and growing demand for increased accommodation at the Post Office, everywhere a gratifying proof of increased commercial activity. The authorities, who may be depended upon to effect such improvements as are likely to return an interest on the outlay, observing this demand, have been fairly prompt in providing new and spacious premises, and to the local Bridge Feoffees, prompted by the enterprise of the public-spirited Postmaster, the carrying out of this important improvement is due. The Post-office business, carried on for the past twenty-five years in the chemist's shop in the High-street, of Mr. Cadd, who has discharged the additional duties of Postmaster, assisted by his daughter, Miss Cadd, will be transferred to the new premises but a few doors below the present office. The new building has been erected by the Bridge Feoffees, who lease it to the Postmaster, so that the public are indebted, as we have previously remarked, to the enterprise of the Postmaster himself and the Bridge Feoffees for this very desirable improvement. The Bidefordians have not, however, been simply lookers-on. They subscribed a good round sum of money for a public clock in front of the premises, and the balance left of the fund was devoted to other necessities in connection with the work. The new building is almost completed, and—apart from the convenient structural arrangements for the business of the public —it presents a really attractive appearance, and is a decided ornament to the High-street. The work when finished will reflect the highest credit upon the architect, Mr. G. Malam Wilson, of Bridie-buildings, Bideford, whose design was selected in open competition. The building is designed in the old English domestic style, the material employed being red terra-cotta dressings and Marland white brickwork, the combination being very effective. The whole of the ground floor is occupied by the public office, sorting-room, and postal departments. There is a writing table on the inside for the use of the public for preparing telegrams, money orders, &c. The telegraph department is divided from the main office by dwarf partitions. Communicating with the back portion of this office through a large open archway is the sorting-room, which is 47ft. by 16ft. The whole of the upper floor is occupied by the Postmaster's house. The contract price was £798, and £120 extra for terra-cotta facings in lieu of brickwork. In addition to this the fittings are estimated at about £300. The general contractors are Messrs. Gent and Martin, of Bideford, who have carried out the work in a most satisfactory manner. Under them the plumbing and smiths' work was done by Messrs. Tardrew and Sons, and the painting and glazing by Mr. Mountjoy. Messrs. Hayward and Wooster, of Bath, have done the carving and fittings, and the public clock was provided by Mr. Grimes of Bideford. It is hoped that the building will be opened in a few weeks.
Bideford has of late shewn unmistakable signs that it is in sympathy with the advancing spirit of the age. One indication, the force of which cannot be given too much weight, is the continued and growing demand for increased accommodation at the Post Office, everywhere a gratifying proof of increased commercial activity. The authorities, who may be depended upon to effect such improvements as are likely to return an interest on the outlay, observing this demand, have been fairly prompt in providing new and spacious premises, and to the local Bridge Feoffees, prompted by the enterprise of the public-spirited Postmaster, the carrying out of this important improvement is due. The Post-office business, carried on for the past twenty-five years in the chemist's shop in the High-street, of Mr. Cadd, who has discharged the additional duties of Postmaster, assisted by his daughter, Miss Cadd, will be transferred to the new premises but a few doors below the present office. The new building has been erected by the Bridge Feoffees, who lease it to the Postmaster, so that the public are indebted, as we have previously remarked, to the enterprise of the Postmaster himself and the Bridge Feoffees for this very desirable improvement. The Bidefordians have not, however, been simply lookers-on. They subscribed a good round sum of money for a public clock in front of the premises, and the balance left of the fund was devoted to other necessities in connection with the work. The new building is almost completed, and—apart from the convenient structural arrangements for the business of the public —it presents a really attractive appearance, and is a decided ornament to the High-street. The work when finished will reflect the highest credit upon the architect, Mr. G. Malam Wilson, of Bridie-buildings, Bideford, whose design was selected in open competition. The building is designed in the old English domestic style, the material employed being red terra-cotta dressings and Marland white brickwork, the combination being very effective. The whole of the ground floor is occupied by the public office, sorting-room, and postal departments. There is a writing table on the inside for the use of the public for preparing telegrams, money orders, &c. The telegraph department is divided from the main office by dwarf partitions. Communicating with the back portion of this office through a large open archway is the sorting-room, which is 47ft. by 16ft. The whole of the upper floor is occupied by the Postmaster's house. The contract price was £798, and £120 extra for terra-cotta facings in lieu of brickwork. In addition to this the fittings are estimated at about £300. The general contractors are Messrs. Gent and Martin, of Bideford, who have carried out the work in a most satisfactory manner. Under them the plumbing and smiths' work was done by Messrs. Tardrew and Sons, and the painting and glazing by Mr. Mountjoy. Messrs. Hayward and Wooster, of Bath, have done the carving and fittings, and the public clock was provided by Mr. Grimes of Bideford. It is hoped that the building will be opened in a few weeks.
