REYNOLDS COLLECTORS' WORLD

LINCOLNSHIRE POST OFFICES ALPHABETICAL ARCHIVE

 

Historical information relating to Lincolnshire Post Offices has been compiled.  The data contains names of people who were Subpostmaster/Subpostmistress/Receiver/Postmaster, the locations of the Post Offices and the services provided.

This archive is being gradually improved if you don't find the information you require or can offer any new information or photographs. Unfortunately due to a lack of web space I have had to remove some of the photographs and details of mail collection times.  If you are interested to know whether we have a photographs of a particular office please contact us.

 

 Email to Mail to Sonia and Andrew Reynolds or send by Royal mail

 

We can possibly provide additional details as much information has yet to be entered. 

For a comprehensive history of a typical Lincolnshire Post Office see the entry for North Somercotes.

 

Site first posted on 24th April, 1999.
Site last improved December, 2007 new entries for Threekingham, Thurlby and additional information on Bardney, Barkston, Belton, Branston, Brant Broughton, Castle Bytham, Claxby, Corby Glen, Folkingham, Great Hale, Heckington, Lutton, Rippingale, S. Witham, Swayfield, Washingborough, Wybers Wood
June, 2007 entries for Elkington, Fotherby, Freeman Street. Deeping St. James, Utterby and additional information for Authorpe, Gosberton Risegate, Legbourne, Market Deeping, Moulton and Surfleet,
March, 2007 entries for Bardney, Horncastle, Saleby, Somerby, South Thoresby, Southrey, Strubby and Swaby and additional information for Victor Street, Queens Parade and Fotherby.
July, 2006 entry for Newton on Trent, Winterton and Wintringham added
April, 2006 entry for Bitchfield, Ingoldsby and Kirkby La Thorpe completed.  Information on Louth area offices extended.
March, 2006 information on Louth sub post offices extended
23rd December, 2005 entry for New Holland completed, Barrow Haven and Tathwell listed
5th November, full details on East Halton, Habrough and Laceby.
9th September, more information on New Holland.
13th August information on Burringham Road and West Cliff Scunthorpe.
30th July, more information added on Bicker, Gipsey Bridge, Sibsey, Stickney and Swineshead.
15th July, more information on Corringham, Goxhill and Queensway/Trinity Street Gainsborough.
3rd July, 2005 entries for Moulton, Moulton Chapel and Moulton Seas End added also more information on Little Steeping, Nocton and Norton Disney.
26th June, 2005 more information on Blyton received
12th June, 2005 entries for Kelly’s 1933 Directory Q-Z added
19th May, 2005 2004 closures added, entries for Kelly’s 1933 Directory A-P added 
 

We apologize for any spelling etc errors much of this information has just been typed at time of acquisition.  It is being continually checked and corrected. It should be noted that the Business Directories only list mail times until 1913. Lack of web space has meant that we have had to remove most of these times. Please contact us if you are interested in mail collection times. Offices are listed alphabetically but Town Sub Offices are listed under the appropriate town or city. For the latter quarter of the 19th Century and most of the 20th century the term Subpostmaster or Subpostmistress has been used to describe someone who runs a post office that is not a Head Office/Crown Office and was paid on a scale payment system. Earlier in the 19th Century the directories use the term receiver or postmaster instead.  Both terms seem to refer to the same appointment although generally speaking Postmaster tended to be used for the larger offices where the sole income of the appointee was derived from the Post Office business. Receiver would be more appropriate for small offices not offering Money Order or Savings bank business who mostly just received and dispatched their village mail.   In the late 20th Century the term Postmaster has also been more widely used instead of Subpostmaster. In modern times the word Agent is also used as the Subpostmaster is not employed by Post Office Limited but is only appointed as an agent. There are also agents at offices, usually formerly directly managed /crown Offices where a franchise has been offered to the new owner 

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ABY

POPULATION 1921 278

By 1900 Inman West baker, draper and grocer. Mrs. West ran the P.O. Mr. Wallace owned? Aby and S. Thoresby P.O. P.O. sited at the corner of E side of S end of New St. Mrs. West had P.O. until 6.5.1922. Brief typed letter from Postmaster Louth sent to Mrs. Brown advising her of the transfer of the P.O. on that date and advising her that an official would be sent form Louth to affect the transfer. Photo taken shortly after the transfer - shows Browns mother, Mrs. Kidd shop assistant, Edgar Featherstone bakery boy and Mr. & Mrs. Brown. Mrs. Brown ran P.O. 1922-1956. Mrs. Browns daughter thought her father had been offered Aby or S. Thoresby P.O. after the bankruptcy of Mr. Wallace? Was P.O. only with telephone kiosk in shop. 1933 Kelly’s lists owner as H. Brown. Mr.& Mrs. Brown's 3 daughters bringing up families so not interested in taking over. P.O. passed to Mrs. Tabor who was Miss West, daughter of Inman West. P.O. then sited in New St. at Chapel Cottage. She ran it until her death in 1977. Her husband Len Tabor, recently retired from the railways continued. Mr. & Mrs. Barrett ran it for 3 years on present site. Mrs. Holness took over at present site c1983. Situated in General store in New St. Closed 1990. Closed for a time c1977

RECEIPT 22/10/1977 N. G. Thompson

ALFORD

POPULATION 1921 2,258

1849- Market Place, letters from London, Bishop Stortford, Boston, Cambridge, Ely, Harlow, March, Newport Pagnell, Northampton, Oundle, Peterborough, Stamford and Wisbech, arrive by rail 4am despatched 9pm. Box closes 8pm 1d late fee to 8.30, 2d late fee to 8.45. Money orders granted and paid 9-6 not Sunday. Messengers at 6.30am to Beesby, Huttoft, Trustthorpe and Withern and return 7pm

(OB95) allocated

Post Bikes in Alford museum. Present site at 123 West Street, just east of museum. 1933 Kelly’s lists a POST, M.O., T. & T.E.D. OFFICE owner as E. CARTER Postmaster and Distributor of Inland Revenue Stamps. Originally a Crown Office with a sorting office at the rear. It was moved to this site in the 1920's and was rented until 1950's. Colin Raithby was the first Subpostmaster, having previously been a P.O. clerk in Grimsby. He was appointed in 1980 or 1981. Mr. Jeremy Webb then took over on 28th August, 1987. The sorting office was moved to a purpose built office on the industrial estate c1991/1992. Three position office also selling stationery and cards. MVL and data post office, and also resets franking machines. Anglian Water area but on northernmost part of East Midlands Electricity area (but not the agent) but also sells Yorkshire Electricity tokens as demand from surrounding villages to north. Uses Capture computer system and self inking date stamps from 23/11/1994. Took on the lottery outlet for the town when the local newsagents went bankrupt in 1996. Closes on Thursday PM but lottery terminal in retail area of the shop open to 19.30 on Wednesday and Saturday.

 

ALKBOROUGH

POPULATION 1921 432

Early site in Front Street at the S.W. corner of Cross Lane. In 1927 Frank Drinkall was Subpostmaster having taken the business over from his employer Matthew Car. His sons Arnold and Billy (William) worked in the business.(L) 1933 Kelly’s lists a POST, M.O., T. & T.E.D. OFFICE, letters from SCUNTHORPE, owner as  J. DRINKALL Draper & Post office. Arnold took over the joinery side of the business and Billy became Subpostmaster, probably by 1945. Frank died c1957(MO-WH) Billy resigned by 1959, his son Roy not being interested in the business. At this time the Post Office was sited on the corner part of the building, but one of the subsequent owners moved it south to the other part of the building.(N) He was replaced by the Tomlinsons, then by Mrs. Wells who left to go to Harrogate. Mr. & Mrs. Settle were next to own it and were there in 1980 and ran it for quite a few years. Mrs. Pratt was the next Subpostmistress assisted by her daughter and her family. They ran it for c2 years before handing it on to a N. Humberside couple Wilma (who originally came from Uganda) and Sid. The final owner Mrs. Blanchard who had it for 2 years replaced them. Carol Cox appointed Subpostmistress in January, 1990. Post office moved to the existing Caranda Craft Shop at 5 Cross Lane to avoid it being closed. Also sold cards and stationery. Opened as a C/A Community Office open 9-12.30 TUE, WED, FRI, 9-12.30 1-5.00 THUR. When the only other Shop in the village closed in 1994 the shop area was extended to the rear and groceries and sweets added.(C) Office closed 5th November, 2005. (D)

INFO Mr. Leeson? old resident (L), W. Drinkalls niece (N), Mrs Cox (C) Own information/Directories/Ken Smith (D)

ALLINGTON

POPULATION 1921 217

An undated circular datestamp was provided on 6th May, 1847.  The office closed between 1867 and 1885 and a rubber datestamp was provided in 1889 (S). Probably from 1885 and certainly by 1914 the office was located at the present site on the green (A). 1933 Kelly’s lists a Post & Tel Call Office Letters From Grantham C. Handley Shopkeeper & Post Office. A telegraph was provided (Code AUI) on 1st February, 1934 (S). Peter and Margaret had the office in 1990 (M). By 1992 Mrs. Jackie Bell had been appointed (D). Melanie Asquith was appointed Subpostmistress in March, 1999.  Opening hours in 2003 were 09.00 –17.45 MON-FRI except WED 09.00-12.00 and SAT 09.00-12.00.  Normal post office services are provided plus National Lottery Instants. Together with her husband Raymond they have completely refitted the shop and Post Office and provided a facility that the village can be proud of and should make every effort to support (A). In December, 2007 the office was earmarked for closure with an outreach replacement service as part of the 2,500-closure programme.

Information myself (A), Ken Smith from P.O. Records (S), M. Asquith (M)

 

ALTHORPE

POPULATION 1921 689

According to Post Office records the office opened in.  Mail was received from and delivered to

1933 Kelly’s lists a Post M.O. & Tel Call Office Letters From Scunthorpe Miss A. Stratton Grocer, Draper & Post Office                                                                                                                                                            Later Community Office

 

ALVINGHAM                                                                                                                                                               POPULATION  1851 317, 1861 350, 1871 353, 1881 267, 1891 251, 1901 249, 1911 260, 1921 225, 1931 203,

According to Post Office Records the office opened in 1868. The first entry relating to the Post Office is in the 1872 White’s Directory with Mr. P. White being listed as blacksmith and Postmaster. Mail was delivered from Louth. About 1892 Mrs. Eliza Ann White was listed as Subpostmistress, probably Mr. P’s her husband(?) had died.   A Rubber datestamp was supplied in 1897 to enable postal orders to be franked when issued. By 1900 Charles Dowse had been appointed and as he was also a blacksmith this would probably be on the same site. A resident recalls that by 1910-1920 Mr. & Mrs. Dowse had the Post Office in a cottage with room down step. It was sited on the east side of the road, opposite some council houses coming from Yarborough. By 1905 Postal Orders could be issued and paid at the office. By 1933 the office could also be used as a telephone call office. Mr. Dowse continued until at least 1937. Later it was situated what was the one village shop. Mr. Bob Trafford was the Subpostmaster at his General Stores. When he closed the office moved to Alvingham Pottery in 1997, Mr. Dominic Duffy was the Subpostmaster until it closed on 14/1/1998

Info Directories/own information/information from P.O. records by Ken Smith.

 

AMBER HILL

POPULATION 1921 502

According to Post Office records the office opened in.  Mail was received from and delivered to

1933 Kelly’s lists a Post Office Letters From Boston no owner listed

Sited in the one shop in the village. There by 1959. Was later closed for a period but reopened by 1999.

 

AMCOTTS

POPULATION 1921 292

According to Post Office records the office opened in.  Mail was received from and delivered to

1933 Kelly’s lists a Post, T. & T.E.D. Office Letters From Scunthorpe J. Chapman Tailor & Post Office

Later Community office

 

ANCASTER

POPULATION 1921 566

According to Post Office records the office opened in.  Mail was received from and delivered to

1933 Kelly’s lists a Post, M.O., T. & T.E.D. Office Letters From Grantham E. Hiley Grocer & Post Office

GJC Creedy SUBPOSTMASTER from 10/1990

info GC

 

ANDERBY

POPULATION 1921 364

According to Post Office records the office opened in.  Mail was received from and delivered to

Not sure where the location of the above picture is as yet. Later Post Office in large shop/house building next to a large cottage house opposite to the telephone box. In 1990 still filled with 'N' shaped counter in wood with many shelves and square wooden draws for various drugs. Used to have large glass bottles and tea containers. Mr. Ward had P.O. and ten Mrs. Ward who was c80 in 1920. In 1920's Mr. Frank Hill came from Alford in a motorcycle with side car box to deliver mail. 2nd lot brought in afternoon to P.O., had to be collected. Not a mailwork office. Mrs. Ward not SUBPOSTMISTRESS for long after Mr. Ward died. Was chemists by then. Then Mrs. Clark Mrs. Wards niece SUBPOSTMISTRESS. 1933 Kelly’s lists a Post & Tel Call Office, Letters From Alford Mrs. E. Clark Shopkeeper & Post Office Then Mrs. Clark's daughter Mrs. Epton. Mrs. Epton there c1940-c1970. She had a grocery, sweets and cigarettes shop. Mail came form Skegness - after 2WW? Then Mrs. Crow SUBPOSTMISTRESS in Jasmine House. She had helped Mrs. Epton in latter years first to balance on Friday and then also to help on Thursday. Mrs. Epton not too god at responding to the bell in the shop, she came when she was good and ready. At Jasmine House front door used at first to gain access to front dining room, then door put directly into front dining room and part of room partitioned off with bandit screen. Non C/A office but at end P.O. asked her to go C/A and have NSB and Girobank, so gave her notice. Had been F/T hours. There 11 years. P.O. now at separate room of bungalow at E. End of village. SUBPOSTMISTRESS Mrs. S. Owen since 2/8/1982. Closed all day WED and SAT PM. Also a caravan site and does B&B. Since closed.

 

Die E7/42

 

ANWICK

POPULATION 1921 248

According to Post Office records the office opened in.  Mail was received from and delivered to

1933 Kelly’s lists a Post Office, Letters From Sleaford Owner not listed

Mrs. Anderson ran Post Office from a house in Church Lane, across the road and to the west of the church. Mrs Doreen Preston then took over P.O. at the thatched blacksmiths in Main St. to east of present site. She moved the P.O. to its Present site at 1A River Lane in a shop purpose built in 1983 originally as a lawnmower shop to west of Blacksmiths. Carol McCabe SUBPOSTMISTRESS and her husband moved from Bedfordshire to take over P.O., by then converted to a general stores in 1986. Mrs. McCabe had had some experience working in a P.O. before they moved. Shop opens from 0730-1900 daily and SUN 9.00-1300. They didn't want to open on a Sunday but as it is on the road to Skegness it can sometimes be the best days takings. The shop is therefore quite tying. They sell groceries, confectionery etc and also do fast food, cheeseburgers, sandwiches and the like. As the one shop in the village they can pick and choose which reps they deal with. Newspapers are supplied to order. An off licence is operated and from experience they sell a limited number of basic lines and take orders at Christmas. Nearby is a Padleys poultry-processing factory and the many employees patronise the shop. Shop was clean and welcoming and they have an exterior neon sign to let passers by know that they are open. P.O. is a F/T C/A office in the Peterborough District. When Carol took over it did not operate a savings Bank. In December, 2007 the office was earmarked for closure with an outreach replacement service as part of the 2,500-closure programme.

 

info Mr & Mrs McCabe.

 

APPLEBY

POPULATION 1921 768

According to Post Office records the office opened in.  Mail was received from and delivered to

1933 Kelly’s lists a Post, M.O., T. & T.E.D. Office Letters From Scunthorpe Owner not listed.

Closed after 1977.

 

ASHBY-CUM-FENBY

POPULATION 1921 205

According to Post Office records the office opened in.  Mail was received from and delivered to

1933 Kelly’s lists a Post & Tel Call Office Letters From Grimsby Miss. M. Pearce Shopkeeper & Post Office

On corner of main road/w side post office Lane until c1960 now demolished. Two ladies were involved in business. Post Office moved to Woodlands, bottom of Chapel Lane. May have been as early as 1955.  The Subpostmistress died in 1983 and her nephew Robert helped to run it while she was in hospital and for a period after she died.  Margaret Parker the daughter in law of the former Subpostmistress was appointed initially at Woodlands but by the time I visited in 1989 the office had moved c1985-1987 in Chapel Lane to a new bungalow .  Mail work office but by 1996 mail work had been moved to Waltham, probably about 1985.

 

ASHBY-DE-LA-LAUNDE  See Digby Aerodrome

 

ASHBY PUERORUM

POPULATION 1921 118 

According to Post Office records the office opened in.  Mail was received from and delivered to

Original post office in cottage in front garden of present site. This cottage was demolished in the early 1960's and the present post office house was constructed. The post office is thought to have been on the present site by 1914. The Sandall family ran it. 1933 Kelly’s lists a Post & Tel Call Office Letters From Horncastle but no Owner listed. By 1940 Mrs Sandall took over and ran it until 1956 when her daughter Mrs. Jackson took over. Mr. Jackson the current 1990 SUBPOSTMASTER took over when his wife died in 1983. Situated in an isolated agricultural community which has seen a decline in population over the years and is probably one of the smallest communities to have a P.O. Mr. Jackson converted it from a full-time to a community office opening 10-12 on MON, WED and FRI in c1988.

 

ASLACKBY

POPULATION 1921 354

According to Post Office records the office opened in.  Mail was received from and delivered to

1933 Kelly’s lists a Post, T. & T.E.D. Office Letters From Folkingham E. Bates Boot Repairer And Post Office.

Closed 05/04/1993

 

ASWARBY

According to Post Office records the office opened in.  Mail was received from and delivered to

Closed by 00/02/1966

ASWARDBY

According to Post Office records the office opened in.  Mail was received from and delivered to

Mrs. Davey thought to have set up the P.O. probably after 2WW. Mr. Bassaires SUBPOSTMASTER 18m or 2 years. Then Mr. Brian Pinnion SUBPOSTMASTER from August 1987. Hours 9-1 M-F P/T up to AUG 1987. Then reduced to 9-12.30 Community Office but actually opens 9-5.30 by SUBPOSTMASTER by voluntary agreement with Post Office. Premises used to be 2 cottages. P.O. now in original kitchen with wall knocked into other kitchen for other part of stores. Despite only 39 voters in an isolated rural location a full range of general stores items is offered. This continued until c1997 when the Pinnion’s children had grown up.  Hilary Haynes then ran the office for a further two years from the north-west most cottage of a row of three.  She decided to close the office in 1999 and work as a supply teacher.

AUBORN

POPULATION 1921 274

 

Auborn post office opened later than many other post offices and probably didn't open until 1894 or 1895.  A rubber hand stamp was provided in 1896 so the new postal orders could be sold and endorsed.  Kelly's directory of 1900 lists the owner as T. Wood, Subpostmaster, grocer, butcher and carrier (a carrier was someone who took goods in a cart or van to the local town probably once a week).  Letters came from Lincoln at 7.50am and were despatched at 5.10pm.  The office was at the entry level just selling stamps and issuing postal orders.  Other offices paid P.O's, did Savings Bank, and paid Money orders etc.(AR)  A Mr. Reynolds may possibly have taken office in 1900 after the directory was published.(JR)  No owner is listed in Kelly's 1933 directory but a telephone call facility has been installed by then. I went into the post office when it was open.  It used to be in the small general shop right in the middle of the village.  It faced north on the south side of the one-way section of road with the traffic flowing west to east.  The office closed on 30/01/1992.(AR)

Information Myself (AR),  Jane Rogers (JR)

AUNBY

By 1875 closed between 1888 and 1890

AUNSBY

POPULATION 1921 108

According to Post Office records the office opened in.  Mail was received from and delivered to

1933 Kelly’s lists a Post And M.O. Office Letters From Sleaford, Owner not listed

Closed 20/07/1988 

AUTHORPE

POPULATION 1842 121, 1851 126, 1861 134, 1871 186, 1881 159, 1891 119, 1901 125, 1911 130, 1921 110, 1931 112,

By 1882 pillar box installed. According to Post Office records as Post Office offering basic services was opened in 1888. By 1892 Harry Sharpe was listed as Shoemaker, Coal Merchant & Subpostmaster. Site was originally a Chapel and Sunday school room(R). Coal taken on a round from yard at station by horse and Dray (F). Mail from Louth in 6.30 out 7pm. Week days only. By 1896 in 6.45, out 6.55pm. 1881 had seen the introduction of the still familiar Postal Order. They were similar to money orders but designed for lower monetary values ranging from 1/- to 21/-. A rubber date stamp was provided in 1897 to cancel these and this may well be the date they commenced sale here but they could not be paid. They were on sale here by 1900. Mention in 1905 that no delivery of letters on Sundays P.O.'s being Issued and paid and of him being an overseer. By 1909 mail in 6.45, out 7.20pm.. By 1926 referred to as a shopkeeper only. By 1933 P.O. and Tel. call office and by 1937 Mrs Sarah Jane Sharp his wife listed as Shopkeeper and Subpostmaster.(R). She was a Sunday school teacher and died before 2WW. (F) Postman used to cycle from Louth via Cawthorpe and Mukton and have a hut near the piggeries (F). Their daughter Mrs. Maud Craft nee Sharp became Subpostmistress.(D,F). She continued to run shop and sold paraffin until she died in August 1967. Shop then closed (D) Drewery's had been looking for a cottage to do up in their native Nottinghamshire but most of the places they saw had already been converted so Lincolnshire considered. Elaine not keen on the idea of a P.O. but bought the place because the gardens were floral and she bought the place because she fell in love with the stables.(D) Roy Drewery Subpostmaster from November 1967 until 4th August 1974 when Elaine took over following divorce. Xmas mail deliveries first 3 years. Non C/A office to Louth. Stamps P.O.'s and dockets only. Elaine freely admits to being hopeless at adding up and not paperwork minded. Her first love is her 'Dogs Haircuts' parlour and the hedgehog rescue centre she operates. She would have closed the P.O. years ago if it were not required as a service by the villagers, though the income does help to pay the bills. A lozenge and name has been provided but the office has that unkempt countryside feel about it and Elaine doesn't feel that the P.O. deserves any better treatment than the rest of the premises. Following requests the P.O. serving area has been separated from the dog parlour, at first only by paper. The small area now partitioned off by a wooden screen was considered by Angela Hewitt (at the height of her bulk) to be too small. Elaine wrote back that it was big enough for her and her relief and he should test it with someone of normal size! Office closed 22nd May, 1999.  (D)

Information Directories/own information/information from P.O. records by Ken Smith (R) Elaine Drewery (D) and Mrs Forman. (F) Check gravestones.

 

BAINTON

According to Post Office records the office opened in.  Mail was received from and delivered to

Closed 31/01/1983

 

BARDNEY

POPULATION  1801 703,  1881 1,393, 1891 1,378, 1901 1,417, 1911 1,302, 1921 1,373,

 

The 1842 Post Office Directory lists a William Cockett as a grocer and draper.  Mail was received from and delivered to

Wragby but a Post Office is not mentioned as such.  According to Post Office records an undated circular datestamp was provided on 13th August, 1845 with Lincoln as the dispatching and receiving office, so this may well have been the date the Post Office formally opened here. On 1st March 1849 the dispatching and receiving office was altered to Wragby, though in practise it appears that mail was sent by this office from the outset. The 1849 Directory lists Cockett as a grocer, draper and receiver of letters. Mail was received from Wragby by mailcart, although by 1855 the Directory mentions that mail was being brought by footpost.  Perhaps the mail cart originated in Lincoln and went via Wragby but from March, 1849 the mailcart stopped at Wragby or continued to a different destination and Bardney’s mail was then brought by foot. A new undated circular datestamp was provided on 15th October, 1857, possibly because the existing one still mentioned Lincoln.

The range of services were extended beyond that of a basic post office when Money Order business could be conducted from 2nd April, 1860 from 9th December, 1861 Savings Bank business which is about the time this type of business was first introduced.By 1868 John Cockett had been appointed as Subpostmaster.  By this time the business was that of a grocer, draper and dealer in linseed oil and cotton cakes.  John and Thomas were both involved in the business and were probably sons of William. In 1870 the mail arrangements were again altered and mail was received from and dispatched to Lincoln. According to Post Office records Bardney was added to the list of towns using obliterators when No. 161 was allocated in 1874.  Five Lanes a small village in Cornwall had formerly used this number. Another postmark researcher though does not think Bardney used No. 161 until 1885.  The range of services was further enhanced by 1882 when a telegraph was installed. 

 

By this time only John was involved in the business, now just a grocer and draper although by 1885 he was also an Agent of Gilbey’s wines and spirits. In common with other Savings Bank Offices Annuity and Insurance Business could be conducted by 1889. By 1896 the range of services was further extended to include Telegraphed Money Orders and Express Delivery.

The 1900 Kelly’s also list as at most offices Parcel Post (introduced in 1883 and probably conducted here from shortly after that date). Also by that date Miss Mary Ann Richardson had been appointed Subpostmistress. As she was also listed as a stationer it is likely the location of the office changed when she took over. By 1909 Miss Richardson had become

Mrs. Pottinger and Mrs. Chapman confirmed that she had been Subpostmistress. She remembers her as Subpostmistress and that her son was also there. Mrs. Chapman thinks Mr. Frank Holmes was Subpostmaster by the 1920's.  The office was located at site of present butchers in Silver Street. A telephone exchange had been installed by then. The directories list Mrs. Pottinger in the 1922 edition and that by 1926 Telephonic Express Delivery was being offered but no owner is listed.  The 1930 Directory lists Holmes as a stationer but no specifically Subpostmaster.  It is not until 1933 that F. Holmes is listed as Stationer and Subpostmaster. Holmes was still in charge in 1937 and the telephone is listed as TN1. (D) Mr. Jubb then Subpostmaster for 2 years.  He  moved P.O. to a rented site in Station Road opposite the Catholic Church. Mrs Gresham then Subpostmistress  for 2 years. (C)

Mrs. Chapman appointed in 1945 and was Subpostmistress for 27 years. Mr. Gallup HPM at Lincoln interviewed her. She bought the present site, 2 & 4 Silver Street in 1947, and after P.O. had inspected premises to see if they were suitable the P.O. moved. At first P.O. in present middle part of shop formerly a cobblers. Sorting office was in kitchen. Then when lease on butchers in part of her premises expired Mrs. Chapman took this over and made one large shop with P.O. counter at present site where the butchers shop was. 4 mail rounds were undertaken on bikes including to Southray. Mail and parcels were taken by barrow to be put on a train at lunchtime and night or on Sundays on the 4pm bus. Extra barrow borrowed to cope with Christmas parcels, many more parcels that at present. Open Sunday to 10.30 at first, mail delivered on Xmas day but not Boxing Day. Extra mail brought in from post boxes for date stamping at Xmas. Sugar factory employed a large number of Irishmen, which was good for NSB business as they saved their money up to take or TMO home. NSB cross sheet for books not from home office. 4 transactions per page more information recorded on cross entry than on normal sheet. Telegrams delivered. Mrs. Chapman remembers delivering an urgent telegram concerning some potatoes in the snow to a farm. When she arrived the people were standing round drinking and asked her if she would like a cup of tea. To her horror it was presented in a filthy billy can! Some telegrams had to be taken across by chain ferry at Southray. When Wragby was closed half-day telegrams could be delivered to Apley. Telephone boxes used to be emptied including the one at the airfield. This later became an American Rocket Base and Mr. Todd had to be given special permission to deliver mail there. P.O. burgled twice during their time once there was a tip off and police were waiting. Mrs. Todd, Mrs. Chapman’s daughter Subpostmistress 1972- June 1986. Mrs. Pat Deaton was the current Subpostmistress from 1986 until 2004 By 1990 the services available had been extended to include MVL’s and the office also offers datapost. 3 mail rounds 2 ladies on bicycles and a van for outlying areas and Southray. Mail from Lincoln at 6.50. Kitchen knocked through to provide additional shop space and sorting office provided in a room behind counter. Pat retired in 2004 to be replaced by Irene Hewitt who had been involved in the business for some years. On transfer the half day and lunchtime closing were removed.  By 2007 a cash machine had been installed and in February, 2007 Euro’s on demand were offered.  Chemist probably has photographs.

 

SID’s bought about 2002.

 

BARDNEY R.A.F. P.O.

Opened in 1943, mail dispatched to and received from Lincoln.  The office closed 30th November, 1945.

 

Information Ken Smith

 

BARHOLM POPULATION 1921 189

According to Post Office records the office opened in.  Mail was received from and delivered to

1933 Kelly’s lists a Post & Tel Call Office Letters From Stamford Owner not listed.

Closed 1966

 

BARKSTON(e)

POPULATION 1921 409

According to Post Office records the office opened in.  Mail was received from and delivered to

1933 Kelly’s lists a Post & Tel Call Office Letters From Grantham Mail To Syston Owner not listed.

Office located in a general stores at 5 Church Street (the west side) probably much longer than 1990. In 1992 the Subpostmaster was R J Pimperton. (D) In 1995 Mave Streeter was appointed. (S) Opening hours in 2007 were 08.30-13.00 14.00-17.30 MON-FRI except TUE 08.30-17.00, SAT 08.30-13.00. The one position counter is located in the N.E. corner of the building.  The office floor is higher than the shop floor and parcels and packets are accepted through a hatch under the counter. In December, 2007 office being considered for closure as part of the 2,500 closure programme.

 

Information Directories/own information/information from P.O. records by Ken Smith (D). M. Streeter (S)

BARNACK

According to Post Office records the office opened in.  Mail was received from and delivered to

 

BARNETBY

POPULATION 1921 1,626

According to Post Office records the office opened in.  Mail was received from and delivered to

(OB932 1885) Mails office Sited at N.W. Corner of (Old) Post Office Lane and East Street (now Queen St.)(L,H), run by Moss Family (H), Sited there at start of 1WW and moved by 1924(L). During or shortly after the War the Husband or Mrs. Annie Davis returned from the war with ill health (gas poisoning?) and was advised to get a job with fresh air. He became the manager of the COOP at Barnetby. This proved too much for him and Annie needed to secure employment. He brother was at the Head Post Office in Grimsby and either suggested her becoming a Sub postmistress or knew a vacancy was occurring/ assisted her to gain the appointment. Initially the P.O. was sited in the front room of No. 69 Silver Street (the last house on the east side of the terrace) but by c1920 had moved to No. 12 Kings Road (on the east side just N. of what was then the level crossing. The office had a telephone exchange on one wall and a telephone kiosk. By c1933/34 Mr. (Charles) Herbert Davis her son had taken over a Subpostmaster. The 1933 Kelly’s directory lists Mrs. A. Davis as Stationer & Post Office. The services offered were Post, M.O., T. & T.E.D.  Mail delivery to Somerby is specifically mentioned. The P.O. was again moved to a flat roofed extension to No. 18 Victoria Road. During the war years mail was handled from Elsham Airfield. His wife Alice took over as sub postmistress, possibly when the telephone exchange was taken away and Herbert worked as a telephonist at Scunthorpe c1964. He died in January, 1966. Susan Herring daughter of Herbert and Alice and Sister in law of Greta Herring at Scothern took over as Sub postmistress c1972. She remembers in earlier years her mother or father suddenly finding her mother or father saying they were going to the toilet to look up and find there was someone who they knew would require a difficult telegram transmitting. She remembers doing one in Welsh, doing telegrams fro a man who used to place bets. The horses names being so unusual they had to be spelt letter by letter. There was also a Southern Irish Gentleman who used to send telegraph money orders. She found him difficult to understand, had to write out the forms for him and the names were unusual and difficult to spell. She bought the former COOP building and moved the P.O. to it's present site no long after. Four postmen employed. Two starting at 04.50 to sort the mail then round in village, round to Melton(cycle?) and cycle round to villages Bigby to Grasby. P/T post woman at Grasby. The 4th postman collected from Grasby in the afternoon. The incoming mail was sorted, the local mail sorted out and all hand franked. A specially constructed had cart(narrower than usual to gain access at one of the sites) was used to take the mail to the station. Telephone ex- change was moved across road to adjacent to No.15 Kings Road and had to be manned continuously. (A) Mrs. Alice Davis and Mr. Herbert Davis had P.O. at 18 Victoria Road.(A) P.O. moved to 27 Victoria Road (G) Mrs. Gillian Adair(known as Jill because a twin - Jack and Jill) appointed in November, 1976, she took the title because her husband was still completing his time in the army. He then worked the office with her. If the office got short of money they would borrow it from the butcher. In 1976 £300 was the maximum allowed in the safe on Saturday night, money in excess of this had to be sent off. Duty started at 05.15 at first and later at 05.45 (earlier than most offices) Mr. and Mrs. Adair used to alternate the getting up. She used to care- fully check the registered letters as per instructions - she thought many other offices left the postmen to get on with things and hope nothing would go wrong. The postman started at 04.45 to go to station to pick up mail. Mail Rounds at that time were 1. Bicycle Round in village, 2. Moped Round to Melton Ross, New Barnetby, Kirmington Vale, Quarry and Stonecroft Cheshire Home, 3. Van round to Bigby, Somerby, Searby, Owmby and Grasby. Her post lady was attacked one day. One sealed bag of mail was dispatched to station and later Telephone Bills and packets also had to be kept in separate bags. There were sometimes problems with the midday mail towards the end as the guard sometimes refused to accept it claiming he had nowhere to keep it secure. The mail then had to wait until the evening or a van had to attend from Brigg. Mail ceased to go by train c1990. Mrs. Adair enjoyed running the P.O., though things got less friendly and more difficult towards the end. One day the REM got lost and ended up in Hull.(A) Barry Greenwood appointed Subpostmaster in January, 1992 and runs office with his wife Sue. Two position office issuing MVL's and YEB tokens.(G) Phone cards were withdrawn in 1993 they had only been the odd £2 card.(A) Also sells greetings cards and stationery and Sue will do you a sketch of your property. During 1993 the Spar Stores opposite has been expanding and has put other general grocers in the village out of business. They have also started selling cards and stationery and this has affected the P.O. sales as well.(G) They do though pay their takings in and this has boosted units.(A) Mail work ceased in September, 1992 concentrated onto Brigg. They were though paid compensation (£4,000(A)) as they were allow to continue on appointment.(G) By January, 1999 Andrew Pickard Subpostmaster.

INFO local (L), Susan Herring (H), Mrs S.Adair (A), Mrs. Greenwood (G)

 

BARROW HAVEN

The 1876 Directory does not list a Post Office and Post Office records indicate that the office was opened in 1880 By 1882 Mr. Robert Brown had been appointed Subpostmaster and was also a shopkeeper and joiner.  Mail was delivered from and dispatched to Hull. Basic Post Office services were provided.  Between 1889 and 1892 Mrs. Mary Ann King was appointed she was also a shopkeeper.  The office location probably did not change during the whole of the time the office was open. John Cocking in turn replaced Mary.  A rubber datestamp was supplied to the office in 1898 probably to enable Postal Orders to be issued although they could not paid.  John to held the position for a relatively short time as by 1900 he had been replaced by Thomas Cocking.  I am not sure if Thomas was John’s son or brother? By 1900 rather later than many offices, however, by 1905 they could be issued and paid.

Between 1922 and 1926 William Haddock was appointed and by  from 1st August, 1925 mail began to be delivered from Barrow-On-Humber. The 1930 Directory mentions Haddock but not the Post Office. 1933 Kelly’s lists a Post & Tel Call Office but the owner is not listed. The 1937 Directory does however, mention Haddock and the Post Office so he obviously ran it the whole time.  The telephone number was 16. (D) I have no information after 1937 other than that the office was closed in 1979. (G) 

Information Directories/own information/information from P.O. records by Ken Smith (D). P.O. Gazette 12/12/1979 (G)

 

BARROWBY

According to Post Office records the office opened in.  Mail was received from and delivered to

1849 P.O. Directory lists - P.O. Trolley -shop, letters from Grantham in 9am out 5pm (D).  Early site was in a wooden hut in Church Street. Post office on present site, No.5 High Road by 1926.(L)

1933 Kelly’s lists a Post, M.O., T. & T.E.D. Office Letters From Grantham G. Kirk Shopkeeper & Post Office.(D)

Sited in stores with newspapers, confectionery and cards. A lady was Subpostmistress from c1964.  Here niece Mrs. Dreda E. M. Swatton was appointed c1979. Barry Ladds Subpostmaster from July, 1994 (L).

Information Business directories (D), B. Ladds (L)

 

BARROW-ON-HUMBER

POPULATION 1921 2,959 (Incl. New Holland)

According to Post Office records the office opened in.  Mail was received from and delivered to

1849 P.O. Directory lists - P.O. postmaster letters from Barton 10.45am out 2pm.

(OB386 vacant 1874)

1933 Kelly’s lists a Post, M.O., T. & T.E.D. Office A. Houghton Stationer & Post Office.

Mailwork office Mrs. L. Clark Subpostmistress in 1992.

 

BARTON-ON-HUMBER

According to Post Office records the office opened in.  Mail was received from and delivered to

POPULATION 1921 6,330

(OB51) 1849 P.O. Directory lists-Morley Postmaster and auctioneer High St. letters from London and allparts in 10am out to all parts except London 12.40pm and to London and all parts 4.50pm. Money order dept 9-6.

1933 Kelly’s lists a Post, M.O., T. & T.E.D. Office at 32 Burgate

 Crown Office until 1988. Then Mr. Bolton, possibly previous HPM appointed as Subpostmaster. He was replaced by Albert Hall who ran office until Mr. Mike Clafton appointed on 4/3/1978. Mailwork office closing Wednesday pm. 16 Postmen and 3 vans delivering to Goxhill, South Ferriby and the Low Villages. Had been asked to do National Lottery, but didn't think opening to 7pm on Saturday worth the costs involved. Mail work ceased at the office c1999 and is now conducted from a unit on the industrial estate. Mairi Wingate was appointed Subpostmistress on 21st May, 2005 having previously been Subpostmistress at Winteringham.  Office has four positions and in addition to the basic range of services also offers Datapost, DVLA, Passport and Driving licence checking and on demand foreign currency for Euros and Dollars.  Greetings cards are sold and there is also a retail till. 

 

BARTON-ON-HUMBER, FLEETGATE TSO

According to Post Office records the office opened in.  Mail was received from and delivered to

1933 Kelly’s lists a Town Sub-Post, M.O. & Tel Call Office 48 Fleetgate N. Anderson Shopkeeper.

By 1939 Mr. Frank Sanderson may have been Subpostmaster or may have taken over later. He was there for many years. Then his daughter Rosalie took over. The business was a sweet shop and a "traditional post office". The people who took over were a scruffy lot. (C) At some stage the office moved to 75 Fleetgate on the west side of the street north of Newport Street as this building has an old stamp machine and wall post box.  After April, 1986 the Post Office moved to a former beer off in the north side of Newport Street (40-42). In 1989 Mrs. Jackeline Chessell appointed Subpostmistress partnered by her husband who was a Major in the army. The present site was a two-position office sited in a general stores (C).  Mr. Lee Robinson appointed Subpostmaster in 2003. They converted the business into a hairdressers run by his partner. (R) Counter located on east side of building.  Euros on demand offered in 2007. Opening hours in 2007 09.00-17.30 MON-FRI, 09.00-12.30 SAT.  In December, 2007 office being considered for closure as part of the 2,500 closure programme.

 

INFORMATION Mrs. Chesell (C). Mr. Robinson (R)

 

BASSINGHAM

 

POPULATION 1921 606

According to Post Office records the office opened in.  Mail was received from and delivered to

1933 Kelly’s lists a Post, M.O., T. & T.E.D. Office Letters From Lincoln J. Morshead Grocer & Post Office

 

Subpostmistress Stella Knight died 1998. Took over c1968 after her husband died. Mailwork office, mail from Lincoln at 6.25.

 

BASTON

POPULATION 1921 560

According to Post Office records the office opened in.  Mail was received from and delivered to

1933 Kelly’s lists a Post, M.O., T. & T.E.D. Office Letters From Peterborough A. Pickering Grocer & Post Office. (D)

Located at 16 Main Street on the south side of the road.  George Parker was Subpostmaster from c1970 to c1980.  He was replaced by Dora who was Subpostmistress until July, 1990. Jonathan Walker was then appointed. One position Post Office, has not conducted mailwork in recent years. The counter is in the S. E. corner of the building.   When Jonathan took over he refurbished the premises filling holes in the floor etc.  Has conducted DVLA work since the last batch of offices was added about 2002.  Business operates as a convenience store and has been an office licence for many years.  Since 2005 the business has operated under the Premier franchise. (W)

Information Jonathan Walker (W)

 

BAUMBER

POPULATION 1921 396

According to Post Office records the office opened in.  Mail was received from and delivered to

1933 Kelly’s lists a Post, M.O., T. & T.E.D. Office Letters From Horncastle M. Brown Grocer & Post Office.

P.O. sited in the third house on the north side of Chapel Row with green garage. Miss Brown was the Subpostmistress there in 1956, her sister was a teacher. The office then moved to the Old Police House on A158 on S.E. corner at junction with road to church. Mrs. Stevens was the Subpostmistress here until the office closed.

BECKINGHAM

POPULATION 1921 437

According to Post Office records the office opened in.  Mail was received from and delivered to

(5 miles east of Newark) By 1904 P.O. in house on left hand side of the road looking towards village school at end of road.(PPM) 1933 Kelly’s lists a Post, T. & T.E.D. Office Letters From Lincoln Miss S. Crosby Stationer And Tobacconist, Tea, Minerals &Co Late Sub-Postmistress

Information Photo P.Postcard Monthly. 11/99 (PPM)

 

BEESBY/BEESBY-IN-THE-MARSH

POPULATION 1921 120

According to Post Office records the office opened in.  Mail was received from and delivered to

Mrs. Powell ran P.O. travelling from Strubby to do it. Mrs. Lily Raithby took over P. O. either on moving to the village in 1925 or shortly after. P.O. was sited in the eastern of the two adjoining cottages near telephone box on main road at T-junction in the village. Her husband J.T. Raithby was Subpostmaster and shopkeeper. The 1933 Kelly’s directory lasts a  Post & Tel Call Office Letters From Alford. She continued to run it until after 1947, probably until c1949. Mr. Sutton then took over. He worked for a local farmer and his daughter Min Sutton ran it. P.O. shop in front room small general stores. Suttons not such a wide stock, more sweets/confectionery only. They struggled with accounts and didn't particularly like the P.O. work. P.O. moved to first red brick bungalow on north side of the road coming from Maltby, now called Pringle. Mr. William Edward Morton was sent a letter on 1st December, 1953 informing him that he would be installed as SUBPOSTMASTER and that his appointment would commence sometime in January, 1954. Louth also inquired about the progress in building the extension to the bungalow, which would house the P.O. The wall post box at the old site was replaced by a pedestal box at the gate which was then emptied by the Alford postman rather than the SUBPOSTMASTER. Office was a Non cash account office to Louth on a Thursday selling National Savings Stamps and Insurance stamps. Shop run at P.O. until Mr. Morton retired in 1970 aged 65. The office conducted mail work the mail arriving from Alford at 6.45. The bicycle round included Beesby, part of Strubby, Maltby and to Earls Bridge. Mr. Reed delivered it at first and then Mr. Morton took it over himself until he retired in 1970. The mail was then delivered from Alford. The shop sold tea, coffee, biscuits, confectionery, tobacco, Sunday newspapers etc, much to the nearby Strubby aerodrome. Everything had to be accounted to the last penny. Auditors returning an extra 1/2d. to the Suttons they found extra when the office was transferred. The Morton enjoyed the job, things seemed more relaxed then, customers would expect you to complete postal orders etc. The money was kept under the bed of the bolted bedroom at night and taken with you if you went visiting. It was just a plain flat counter. The pay was not much when they first took over but improved towards the end. Mrs. Morton hated cutting a gumming/writing the amendments to the rulebooks. Mrs. M. used to find that the Branch Office were quick to make the most of her mistakes but when they sent an extra £80 in insurance stamps they wanted them returned under plain cover so that an error wouldn't show up. Office closed when Mr. Morton died of pneumonia having suffered with bronchitis for some time. Mrs. Morton's daughter persuaded her that she shouldn't continue it herself and the next day the P.O. cleared the office. Another lady did consider taking it over and Mrs. Morton gave her some advice but the P.O. wouldn't approve her. Info Mrs. Betty Morton 2 Temple Close Alford. Photo shows Betty, her sister at left with best man and father retraining small boy at back. closed since 1977,

 

BELCHFORD

POPULATION 1921 303

According to Post Office records the office opened in.  Mail was received from and delivered to

1933 Kelly’s lists a Post, T. & T.E.D. Office Letters From Horncastle E. Yorke Grocer & Post Office.

Sited in shop with now black painted GR box (empty kitchens shop 1991). Old couple ran if for many years. (MA) Young couple bought it, she Barbara Lister(MS) a teacher and he would run shop and take children to local school.(MA) He was killed in a car accident before they took over. She ran it for a while but heart not in it.(MA) Difficult with the locals and tending to buy the wrong things and not having basics of bread and milk in stock.(MA) She gave a weeks notice and P.O. closed (MA) in November, 1985 Mrs. Morag Shaw SUBPOSTMISTRESS from 12 May, 1986. Sited to east of Bell Inn. Was a butchers shop (hooks still in timbered ceiling). Was earlier the Wheatsheaf Ale House. Now Called Rimmer House. F/T C/A office mail from Horncastle. Half day changed from Wed to Fri in April, 1992. Hours were reduced from 28th October, 2002.  Office now closes on Friday and Saturday. (MS) In December, 2007 the office was earmarked for closure with an outreach replacement service as part of the 2,500-closure programme.

Datestamp 9/33

(from Maritime Antiques MA) Mrs. Shaw (MS)

 

BELTON Doncaster

POPULATION 1921 1,528

According to Post Office records the office opened in.  Mail was received from and delivered to