LONDON GENERAL POST OFFICE (GPO EAST)
The first of the General Post Office headquarters London buildings erected in the St Martin's-Le-Grand area of central London. Demolished.
Postcard view
Postcard view
From: The Illustrated London News, 1843
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Architect: Robert Smirke Year: 1829 (numerous later alterations and additions by Sydney Smirke and others) Archive sources British Postal Museum & Archive: 003-0488 (painting), 2004-0074 (painting), 2004-0135/6 (drawings), 2004-0151 (painting), 2004-0167 (painting); 2009-003/1-3 (prints), 2009-0015 (lithograph), 2009-0075/1-2 (prints), 2009 0076-78/1-2 (prints), 2011-0619/2 (engraving), OB1997.7 (painting); POST 30/22, 24; POST 91/ 238-239, 241, 243-245 (designs by John Clement Mead), 469 (demolition photographs), 583-586; POST 111/104 (engravings, etc.) English Heritage Viewfinder: BL08794CC97/01709, DD97/00262, DD97/00534, BL08794 National Archives: WORK 30/414-415 (competition design by Joseph Kay) RIBA British Architectural Library: A211/26 (photograph); SB62/6(1-2), SD97/7 (competition design by John Goldicutt), PA28/4(1-2) (measured drawings by Stephen Burchell) Selected bibliographical references Architects' & Builders' Journal 14 Aug 1912, p. 163; 28 Aug 1912, p. 220-223; 2 Oct 1912, p. 349; 11 Dec 1912, 618 (on its demolition and possible, but unrealized future) Bell's Weekly Messenger, 6 Sep 1829 (BPMA 0619/3) Builder 10 Jan 1946, p. 13; 24 Jan 1846, p. 37, 42-43 (illustrations of new sorting office by Sydney Smirke); 13 Jun 1846, p. 284; 5 May 1860, p. 273-275 (lengthy description); 8 Oct 1892, p. 277, 284; 1869, p. 932, 943, 952; 1883(2), p. 59; 1892(2), p. 277 Building News 16 Jan 1857, p.72; 28 Oct 1870, p. 310-311; 16 Aug 1912, p. 215, 11 Oct 1912, p. 499-500) (demolition and possible preservation/re-erection of portico in King Edward Memorial Park, Shadwell) Caledonian Mercury 23 Sep 1829, p. 2 Crook, J. Mordaunt and Port, M.H. The History of the King's Works. Vol. 6: 1782-1851. London : H.M.S.O., 1973, p. 430-437 Illustrated London News 22 & 29 June 1844 Morning Post 24 Sep 1829, p. 3 Public Ledger and Daily Advertiser 5 Sep 1829, p. 3 (description of interior) The Standard (London) 12 Jan 1828, p. 4; 12 Aug 1829, p. 1 History Opened: 23 Sep 1829 Demolished: 1912 |
Building description
rom: The Standard (London) 12 August 1829, p. 1
During nearly the whole of yesterday, crowds of persons were assembled in the neighbourhood of the new post-office, under the expectation that this splendid building would be exposed fully to public view by the removal of the paling which surrounds it, preparatory to the transaction of the public business of the post-office, which it was generally understood would have commenced in the new office this day. Notwith- standing, however, the orders which were given by government that every exertion should be used to finish the building by his Majesty's birthday, in order that business might be commenced in it on this day, it has been found impracticable to complete the arrangements, so that some days will elapse before the officials take possession of their respective departments. The whole of the arrangements of the new post-office are complete, and most of the rooms, offices, &c, perfectly finished. The sorters-room is ready to receive those engaged in sorting letters, and is a fine apartment, having not less than 150 gas-burners in it, and is perfectly ventilated. The whole of the inland department will occupy half of the building, near Aldersgate-street, while the other half, branching towards Cheapside, will be appropriated to the foreign department. In this department various improvements will be made to give facility to business. The clerks and translators on duty connected with the foreign delivery, are to have rooms fitted up for them to sleep in, in order that they may be ready to act at a moment's notice on the arrival of foreign mails and intelligence. Measures are to be adopted to give greater facility to the delivery of all letters passing through the post-office. The edifice, taken as a whole, is a fine specimen of the art, and has added much to the character of Mr. Smirke, the architect, as well as to the builder, Mr. Lee. The principal entrance is under a noble portico, approached by an easy night of steps. On the entablature is placed the Royal arms, and beneath them the words "GEORGIO QUARTO REGE, MDCCCXXIX". Under the portico a clock is to be placed with a double face, and pedestals are raised on each side of the entrance to the Post-office, on which are to be placed strong reflecting lamps. The building, which has been many years in progress, the ground for its site having been cleared ten years ago, is 400 feet long (the portion is 70 feet broad), and about 1 00 feet deep. On the back there are upwards of 120 windows, and in the front above 40 windows. The mails will receive the bags, etc., in Foster Lane, and the mail-carts are to be done away with, — a nuisance, of which complaints have been repeatedly made. ln the course of the last two or three days, a cart-load of human skulls and bones have been dug up, part of the ground where excavations are making for laying on gas, water, &c, having formerly served as a burial-ground attached to St. Vedast Church. They were laid aside for re-interment. Among the improvements contemplated in the vicinity of the new Post-office, is the demolition of the old hall belonging to the Goldsmiths' Company, situate in Foster-lane, and which has a very sorry appearance contrasted with the imposing building opposite to it. The Goldsmiths' Company intend to erect a fine hall on the site of the old one. At the old Post-office, workmen have been engaged for some time past, in turning what was called the Comptroller's offices into a receiving-house for foreign and inland letters and newspapers for the accommodation of the merchants and others near the Royal Exchange. The inland letters will be dispatched from this office to the new Post-office at a quarter past seven o'clock. Yesterday, and for some days past, many of the nobility and others have visited the new Post-office, having had tickets for that purpose, and have gone over the building. Around the new Post-office, an iron railing of some beauty is in course of erection ; and the whole of the building will in a few days he exposed by the removal of the board which now encloses it.
From: The Morning Post 24 September 1929, p. 3
This splendid edifice was opened in the presence of a great concourse of people, for the commencement of the business of the Post-office department, a short time before five o'clock yesterday morning. During the whole of the previous night workmen were busily employed in making all complete in those offices more immediately required, and all the principal officers of the department were at their posts. By the arrival of the mails everything was ready. The Holyhead Mail was the first to enter the court-yard of the New Post-office, and came in in gallant style at about a quarter past five o'clock. The other mails followed at intervals often minutes to half an hour. We are extremely sorry to state that a serious accident befell the Brighton mail. It would appear that a rivalry existed among all the mail coachmen to be the first who entered the new office, and a confident expectation was indulged that either the Brighton or the Dover mail, from the short distance they have to come, would have reached the new office first. In this desire to arrive first, it is scarcely to be wondered at that the mails were driven with more than usual rapidity, in order that each coach might get the preference. The Brighton coach was coming to town with great speed, and when it arrived one mile on the London side of Crawley it upset, and the coachman was seriously hurt. In the coach was one of the gentlemen connected with the Post Office; he escaped unhurt, and immediately came to town with the letter bags in a post-chaise. The coachman was left in a very dangerous state. With the exception of this no other accident occurred. The improved system adopted in the new office under the judicious arrangements of Sir F. Freeling, enabled the inland officers to sort and arrange the letters by about eight o'clock, and at half-past eight they were ready for delivery. In the course of the morning four vehicles were stationed within the railing at the back of the Post Office, built after the manner of the Omnibus. ln these the letter carriers having to deliver letters at the west and north-western parts of the metropolis, took their seats about half-past eight o'clock, two of the carriages proceeding up the Strand, and the other two up Holborn. There were about 14 letter-carriers in each. In the city the early delivery of letters, insured under the new regulations, was very remarkable. At Lloyd's Coffee-house and other public places, the letters arrived full twenty minutes earlier than usual. During the whole morning great numbers of people were inspecting the new building, at least those parts of it now open. Unqualified praise was given to the Architect for the chaste manner in which the new Post-office bas been completed. The obelisk at the top of St. Martin's-le-Grand appeared to be in the way, as the mail coaches have to make a very sharp turn to go round it in order to pass down the south side of the new building; indeed, from the rapid manner in which the coaches came in this morning, it was feared that some accident would ensue. This edifice, which has been nearly two years in the course of erection, is now completed, and the public will derive much accommodation from the central situation in which it is placed. The branch offices were in active operation yesterday morning, and it is some satisfaction to know, that the lives of the public will no longer be endangered by the mail-carts, as they are to be put down altogether. The letters at the remote ends of the town will be delivered at least an hour earlier by the new regulations. A large concourse of people, said to amount to 10,000, assembled last night to witness the first departure of the Mails.
During nearly the whole of yesterday, crowds of persons were assembled in the neighbourhood of the new post-office, under the expectation that this splendid building would be exposed fully to public view by the removal of the paling which surrounds it, preparatory to the transaction of the public business of the post-office, which it was generally understood would have commenced in the new office this day. Notwith- standing, however, the orders which were given by government that every exertion should be used to finish the building by his Majesty's birthday, in order that business might be commenced in it on this day, it has been found impracticable to complete the arrangements, so that some days will elapse before the officials take possession of their respective departments. The whole of the arrangements of the new post-office are complete, and most of the rooms, offices, &c, perfectly finished. The sorters-room is ready to receive those engaged in sorting letters, and is a fine apartment, having not less than 150 gas-burners in it, and is perfectly ventilated. The whole of the inland department will occupy half of the building, near Aldersgate-street, while the other half, branching towards Cheapside, will be appropriated to the foreign department. In this department various improvements will be made to give facility to business. The clerks and translators on duty connected with the foreign delivery, are to have rooms fitted up for them to sleep in, in order that they may be ready to act at a moment's notice on the arrival of foreign mails and intelligence. Measures are to be adopted to give greater facility to the delivery of all letters passing through the post-office. The edifice, taken as a whole, is a fine specimen of the art, and has added much to the character of Mr. Smirke, the architect, as well as to the builder, Mr. Lee. The principal entrance is under a noble portico, approached by an easy night of steps. On the entablature is placed the Royal arms, and beneath them the words "GEORGIO QUARTO REGE, MDCCCXXIX". Under the portico a clock is to be placed with a double face, and pedestals are raised on each side of the entrance to the Post-office, on which are to be placed strong reflecting lamps. The building, which has been many years in progress, the ground for its site having been cleared ten years ago, is 400 feet long (the portion is 70 feet broad), and about 1 00 feet deep. On the back there are upwards of 120 windows, and in the front above 40 windows. The mails will receive the bags, etc., in Foster Lane, and the mail-carts are to be done away with, — a nuisance, of which complaints have been repeatedly made. ln the course of the last two or three days, a cart-load of human skulls and bones have been dug up, part of the ground where excavations are making for laying on gas, water, &c, having formerly served as a burial-ground attached to St. Vedast Church. They were laid aside for re-interment. Among the improvements contemplated in the vicinity of the new Post-office, is the demolition of the old hall belonging to the Goldsmiths' Company, situate in Foster-lane, and which has a very sorry appearance contrasted with the imposing building opposite to it. The Goldsmiths' Company intend to erect a fine hall on the site of the old one. At the old Post-office, workmen have been engaged for some time past, in turning what was called the Comptroller's offices into a receiving-house for foreign and inland letters and newspapers for the accommodation of the merchants and others near the Royal Exchange. The inland letters will be dispatched from this office to the new Post-office at a quarter past seven o'clock. Yesterday, and for some days past, many of the nobility and others have visited the new Post-office, having had tickets for that purpose, and have gone over the building. Around the new Post-office, an iron railing of some beauty is in course of erection ; and the whole of the building will in a few days he exposed by the removal of the board which now encloses it.
From: The Morning Post 24 September 1929, p. 3
This splendid edifice was opened in the presence of a great concourse of people, for the commencement of the business of the Post-office department, a short time before five o'clock yesterday morning. During the whole of the previous night workmen were busily employed in making all complete in those offices more immediately required, and all the principal officers of the department were at their posts. By the arrival of the mails everything was ready. The Holyhead Mail was the first to enter the court-yard of the New Post-office, and came in in gallant style at about a quarter past five o'clock. The other mails followed at intervals often minutes to half an hour. We are extremely sorry to state that a serious accident befell the Brighton mail. It would appear that a rivalry existed among all the mail coachmen to be the first who entered the new office, and a confident expectation was indulged that either the Brighton or the Dover mail, from the short distance they have to come, would have reached the new office first. In this desire to arrive first, it is scarcely to be wondered at that the mails were driven with more than usual rapidity, in order that each coach might get the preference. The Brighton coach was coming to town with great speed, and when it arrived one mile on the London side of Crawley it upset, and the coachman was seriously hurt. In the coach was one of the gentlemen connected with the Post Office; he escaped unhurt, and immediately came to town with the letter bags in a post-chaise. The coachman was left in a very dangerous state. With the exception of this no other accident occurred. The improved system adopted in the new office under the judicious arrangements of Sir F. Freeling, enabled the inland officers to sort and arrange the letters by about eight o'clock, and at half-past eight they were ready for delivery. In the course of the morning four vehicles were stationed within the railing at the back of the Post Office, built after the manner of the Omnibus. ln these the letter carriers having to deliver letters at the west and north-western parts of the metropolis, took their seats about half-past eight o'clock, two of the carriages proceeding up the Strand, and the other two up Holborn. There were about 14 letter-carriers in each. In the city the early delivery of letters, insured under the new regulations, was very remarkable. At Lloyd's Coffee-house and other public places, the letters arrived full twenty minutes earlier than usual. During the whole morning great numbers of people were inspecting the new building, at least those parts of it now open. Unqualified praise was given to the Architect for the chaste manner in which the new Post-office bas been completed. The obelisk at the top of St. Martin's-le-Grand appeared to be in the way, as the mail coaches have to make a very sharp turn to go round it in order to pass down the south side of the new building; indeed, from the rapid manner in which the coaches came in this morning, it was feared that some accident would ensue. This edifice, which has been nearly two years in the course of erection, is now completed, and the public will derive much accommodation from the central situation in which it is placed. The branch offices were in active operation yesterday morning, and it is some satisfaction to know, that the lives of the public will no longer be endangered by the mail-carts, as they are to be put down altogether. The letters at the remote ends of the town will be delivered at least an hour earlier by the new regulations. A large concourse of people, said to amount to 10,000, assembled last night to witness the first departure of the Mails.
