Oldest Working Post Office

I never knew of the existence of the Sanquhar Post Office until I got this card from L.W.A. member Sam. The Sanquhar Post Office has been in continual operation since 1712. That's over 300 years! Now, mind you, the post office of three centuries ago was more like a private mail service for the gentry of the region and there were many others like it. It wasn't the first one around, but it is the last one that is still serving postal functions today.

There is so much history to it. There have been whole families literally born in the post office. It reminds me of the Terry Pratchett book, Going Postal (I highly recommend that, by the way). You can read more about this storied office at this BBC link (they also have credit for the photo above). I also would like to point you to a blog transcribing letters of Marion Brown between 1865 and 1903 that went through this Scottish post office to her American relatives. It's all fascinating. Thanks for the postcard, Sam. So much history in one little bit of paper!

Comments

[Connie Rose]

Love that stamp with a recent image of the Queen -- or is that an artistamp? Love it, anyhow.

[thesnailmailer]

Thank you for yet another reason to visit Scotland!

[Sam]

It was a pleasure to send the card - glad that it lead you into all sorts of investigations about the place. But - gosh - if I'd known you'd put this up I'd have been less scrawly with my handwriting! For those knitters amongst us, Sanquhar is perhaps best known for a very distinctive knitting tradition. As well as the Post Office, there is a wonderful small museum and a lovely cafe/art gallery. Do visit if you are in the area.

[Alan B]

That stamp with the painting of the Queen was official, part of a set issued in May to celebrate her 60th anniversary. You can still buy it on the Royal Mail website.

[PostMuse]

Have you ever seen Lark Rise to Candleford? It is a British series, from 2008, about daily life of a small town in the late 19th century. The post office, and its post mistress, are a central feature. The series is newly available on Hulu.