stockton-on-tees post office

66 Dovecote Street

Photograph courtesy of Stockton Borough Library Service

Architect
James Williams

Year
1879 (enlarged 1894 and 1901)

Listed building status
Grade II

Archive sources
British Postal Museum and Archive 
30/672A

National Archives 
WORK 30/3114-3115, 69/6 (photograph)

Selected bibliographical references
Daily Gazette for Middlesbrough 4 Feb 1878, p. 3; 13 May 1979, p. 3

History
Opened: 13 May 1879
Closed: 1960
Current use: Youth centre ("Corner House Youth Project")

Building description

It will no doubt be in the recollection of our readers that some time ago we stated that the contract for the New Post Office at Stockton had been let to Mr J. W. Davidson, builder, of this town. The new building, which is to be erected in Mill-lane, promises to be a complete contrast in every way to the old and extremely inconvenient place in which the postal work is at present carried on. The site chosen is not very far removed from the High-street. Mr J. Williams, Government Works Office, has prepared the plans, and the whole is to be completed by March, 1879. The building is to be of the Italian style, and will contain, on the basement, the telegraph inspector's room, store battery and retiring rooms. Light will be admitted from the front and sides. In order that this may be done properly, a considerable space will be left between the adjoining building and the walls of the Post-office. The public business will be conducted in a very large room on the ground floor, the approach to it being by a spacious door and passage. The post-master's officials' rooms will adjoin the public room. The letter-sorting room will be immediately behind the public room. This room will be lighted from the roof and sides. A handsome stone staircase leads to the first floor, in which the telegraphic instrument will be placed. There will also be a retiring room for the officials. The first storey of the building will be of Ingleby-dressed stone, and the second of red pressed bricks, with stone dressing. When completed the building will be one of the sights of Stockton.