REYNOLDS COLLECTORS' WORLD

LINCOLNSHIRE POST OFFICES ALPHABETICAL ARCHIVE LACEBY TO MUMBY

LACEBY

POPULATION 1851 1,001, 1861 1,021, 1871 1,025, 1881 1,017, 1891 986, 1901 942, 1911 1,027, 1921 1,102, 1931 1,153

The building is thought to date from 1841 and contains pillars from Laceby Hall from when it was demolished. (T) This Lincolnshire post office is probably the one that has been on its original site for the longest time. According to Post Office records the office probably opened on 8^th December, 1842 when an un-dated circular datestamp was supplied to the office. Mail was delivered from Brigg but the 1849 Directory does not have any details. The 1849 P.O. Directory does though list a basic Post Office with Horace Watson receiver, druggist and printer. By 1855 mail was being delivered from and dispatched to Grimsby. The 1861 directory mentions printer by steam and that Horace was also an agent for State Fire and U.K. Provident Life Assurance Office. The range of facilities at the office was extended on 1^st April, 1863 when Money Orders could be issued and paid and then from 13^th July Savings Bank business could also be conducted. By 1868 the name of the insurance agent had been altered to Scottish Provident Insurance. In 1870 a further improvement in services was the installation of the Telegraph (Code LAA). By 1882 Horace was listed as Subpostmaster, pharmacist, chemist, patent medicine dealer and proprietor of  “Watson’s Pills”, printer, publisher and agent for Scottish Provident insurance.  However, by then his son Horace Junior was also involved in the business as a grocer and agent for the Royal Insurance Co. By 1885 it looks as though Horace senior has retired or died as only one Watson is listed. By 1889 in common with other Savings bank offices Annuity and Insurance business could be conducted.

By 1892 George Russell Cook had been appointed as the successor to the Watson’s.  He continued with the business much as before but was particularly noted as a manufacturer of sheep ointment. By 1896 as with most other telegraph offices Telegraphic Money Orders and Express Delivery Services were offered.  Between 1896 and 1900 E. Darley though replaced Cook, by then the Insurance Agency was called the Royal Fire Insurance.

About 1908

As with Cook, Darley was also in charge for a relatively short time as by 1905 William H. Haines had been appointed though he appears to have only been a grocer.  The 1905 Directory also lists Parcel Post as one of the services offered but this would have probably been offered as soon as the national service commenced in 1883. By 1922 a telephone exchange had been installed with the Post Office haveing the number Laceby 7. By 1926 William had been replaced by Horace W. Haines (presumably his son). (D)  He continued right until September, 1963 when he was replaced by Madge Clark.  It was thought that Horace used to sleep in the telephone exchange so he could answer calls in the middle of the night.  Prior to her eventual appointment Madge started work in the office when she was 14 in 1944.  She was known as the “hello girl” as she operated the telephone switchboard and knew everyone by name.  Madge continued until her husband retired from farm management and became Subpostmaster himself in 1972.   Then continuing the family tradition their daughter Helen Tupling succeeded him in 1992 (T).  Mailwork ceased in April, 1996 (A). David Nutter was appointed Subpostmaster on 2^nd  December, 1999. Office closed at short notice in December, 2007. Subpostmaster “planning to move on”.

The office reopened in November, 2008 located at Robson's News Limited, 54 Caistor Road an existing business since 2005. Edward (Eddie) Robson was appointed Subpostmaster. His wife Melanie is also involved in the business. The business is a newsagents and convenience store with a one position counter located in the NW corner of the shop next to the retail counter. National Lottery outlet. (R)

Information – Anna Morgan (A), Directories/own information/information from P.O. records by Ken Smith, (D)  Robson family (R) Helen Tupling/Counterlink 1/1999 (T)

LANGRICK/LANGRICK FERRY

1885 Not Listed{K}. By 1889 Post Office Langrick Ferry, Mrs. Maria Donner Receiver. Mail from Boston in 7.00 and 10.30 out at 3.00 (letter box) and 6.40pm (Ferry Corner Plot). Entry under Langrick Village - letters via Ferry Corner Plot Office{K}. By 1892 Langrick Post Office at Mr. James Hide's, shopkeeper and Subpostmaster Ferry Corner Plot. Mr. William Goodwin also listed as brewer and vict. Ferry Boat Inn, ferry master and post proprietor.{WH} By 1896 William Goodwin Subpostmaster, Boat Inn & Brewer, Post Office Langrick Ferry. Mail in 8.20, out 5.20? letter box, 5.20 Ann Tree Road, 5.30 Station, 5.50 Corner Plot{K}. By 1900 Post Office Langrick Harry Fawcett Subpostmaster & shopkeeper Langrick Ferry (not at Boat P.H.). Mail in 8.20, out 5.20 Ann Tree Road, 5.30 Station, 5.45 letter box/P.O.{K}.

1933 Kelly’s lists a Post, T. & T.E.D. Office Letters From Boston A. Hall Tobacconist (D)

community office MON-FRI mornings, neatly converted window from living room into conservatory situated in the cottage Armtree Road since 1986, previously in a house across the road c1966- 1986. c1925-c1966 in house on northern side of B1184 at junction with B1192. Before then on w. side B1192 to south of B1184 in house which stands back from the road.  Now closed.

LANGTOFT

POPULATION 1921 470

1933 Kelly’s lists a Post & Tel Call Office Telegrams Despatched But Not Received. Letters From Peterborough. J. Mckinlay Baker. (D)

Located at 4 West End, on the north side of the road.  Later c1989 business was incorporated with the next-door shop at No. 6.  At that time the counter was moved from the middle of the east wall of No.4 to the rear of No.4, which was a kennel.  Not a mail office in recent years.  Mr. Mark Curley was appointed in 1991.  The business is a general stores and has operated under the Londis franchise since 1995.  The lottery was installed when it commenced.  Opening hours in 2006 were Mon-Thus 09.00-13.00 14.00-17.30, Fri 09.00-13.00 14.00-16.00, Sat 09.00-12.30. (S)

Information Shop Staff (S)

LANGTON BY WRAGBY

POPULATION 1921 186

1933 Kelly’s lists a Post & Tel Call Office Letters From Lincoln T. Kirk Farmer

Early site Mrs Kirk at Rising Sun farm further to south of present site. c1951 moved to Mrs. Kent at house adjoining present site to south. She ran a small shop. Present SPM Mrs. Williams since March, 1971 at Hillcrest. P.O. in prefabricated garage. P.O. only, but full screen etc. Non C/A office.

LANGWORTH

POPULATION 1921 374

In c19th Postboy murdered in Wragby Road, his grave in Nettleham(B) Early site at the S.E. corner of Barlings Lane and Main Road. Mr. William Holland who owned the windmill in Barlings Lane had thatched building which was an apothecary reroofed and used for the post office. East wall is built of stone from nearby abbey. He was an astute businessman who worked his employees hard. As well as the P.O. there was also a grocery business and delivery and bread rounds. Mr. Holland would prepare a list of what customers had asked for and on Friday go to Lincoln and buy items on wholesale A/C's from e.g. chemists. P.O. was a relatively small part of his total operations. He married Miss Thompson. SPM paid 12/6 per week to run P.O. after 1WW. Office was a M.O.O., S.B. A&I. and also had a telegraph and later a telephone exchange. He also had the first car in the village a model 'T' Ford. Old fashioned box with just an aperture. Granite chipping aggregate path put outside P.O. wore very well. Later a board on a pole sited at edge of pavement 'POSTAL TELE-GRAPH OFFICE' Nancy Holland nee Thompson, step sister of Pat Holland and daughter of William ran P.O. and shop. William had wanted a boy and brought Nancy up as a replacement. She was able to maintain the bicycles and oil lamps. Nancy ran P.O. until she married. Mr. Holland had to visit farmers on occasion to ask them to clear thorns off the roads which where puncturing the bicycle tyres. Then lady from London, Miss Bailey ran shop and P.O. and then married Mr. Prescott who took over and continued to run P.O.

c1925 P.O. moved to other corner of Barlings Lane. Mr. William Holland died in 1946 aged 94.(H) Prescott, then Hollands then Chambers(W) Then Chambers moved P.O. to other corner of Barlings Lane. Chambers had it built (W) (building now demolished). Then Dawsons had it and then Woodcocks(W) Chambers there prior to Woodcock's(K) Mr. John Woodcock SPM 1937-1954 at second site which closed down when he gave it up.(K)

1933 Kelly’s lists a Post, T. & T.E.D. Office Letters From Lincoln J. Chambers Grocer. (D)

Run as a general stores. Four mail rounds, 1. Van round (once a week petrol delivered in a gallon can) and 3. bicycle rounds. Mail delivered to Langworth, Barlings and Stainton. Mr. Sissons took over.(K) Moved to present site c1954(W) At present site c1953 run by Bill Sissons an ex Lincoln City football player(B) Now sited in Station Road. Originally whole of road was Main Road but in deference to newcomers road from East of P.O. is still Main Road and road from west of P.O. is now Station Road(R). Mailwork conducted from shed in back yard until c1982(R). Site was set in an acre until sold off c1980- 1982. Mr. and Mrs Sissons there 1968/69(O). Terry Chapman SPM(B) and Janet c1976(O). Mailwork conducted during his period(B). Brenda Coles there c1980/83.(O) Then Lance Howley SPM (O). Howleys not very pleasing. They had certain brands of tobacco on sale and if they hadn't got what you wanted it was hard luck (B) Harold and Minnie Dauber there next.(O) Then Michael Downey SPM before moving to SPM at Cherry Willingham. (R) Michael and Maureen Downey ran the office for 3 years. (D) Stephen Rushmere SPM since August, 1990. The fifth SPM in 9 years (R) Used to work for an oil company in Lowestoft, aunt SPM at Reepham. The one general stores in the village, with newspapers and off license. Now opens on Sundays to attract trade from the many 1000's who pass by on their way to the East Coast. Worked with his wife and P/T assistance.(R) They have extended sales area into former bay windowed lounge. P.O. moved to NE corner of lounge including part of bay window. Counter used to be in S.W. corner opposite entrance and before then in N.E. corner of original shop area. Mail from Lincoln F/T C/A office closing WED pm. Unable to reset franking meters in village as 'no new offices' being authorised.  Lottery operated from this office for since at least 1997.

John E. Handley appointed in August, 1998.(JH)  Hours of opening in 2005 are 09.00-17.30 Mon, Tue, Thur, Fri, 09.00-13.00 Wed. 09.00-12.30 Sat. In December, 2007 the office was earmarked for closure with an outreach replacement service as part of the 2,500-closure programme. It closed and an outreach service was introduced from The Oval Post Office.

INFORMATION C. Buttress (B) Maureen Downey (D) Mr. J. Handley (JH) Mr. P. Holland (H) S. Rushmere(R) Miss Oswin(O) Bill Winter(W) Mrs. Woodcock (K)

LAUGHERTON AND FENTON

KETTLETHORPE

POPULATION 1921 464

These two villages are in the parish of Kettlethorpe, seat of an important house connected with the wife of John of Gaunt. P.O. at Fenton in S. Addison's butchers shop opposite Carpenters Arms by 1935 (B). This is confirmed by the 1933 Kelly’s Directory listing. Mail was being delivered from Lincoln. Mr. Walter Robert Weaver had P.O. in the porch of his house at his builders yard for 12 years (B). P.O. in 1956 was in Weavers porch (WI). Mr. Weaver thought he had been SPM from 1940-1951. He took on P.O. to provide some work for his daughters Marion and mostly Barbara. Walter was a builder and when there were some problems with a local firm going bankrupt and Barbara accounting for some insurance stamps he decided to let P.O. go as by then one daughter had go married.(WW). Walters son remembers the PMG coming one Saturday shortly after they were closed. The front door had not been locked and he told him it should have been. He said he was not responsible for running the P.O. himself but would tell his sisters.

Then P.O. moved back to Fenton on main road next to chapel.(B) Miss Rosamund Addison a relative of the other Addisons SPM, she had worked for many years for the P.O. in Lincoln. She retired to become Companion to a lady (WW). Then moved back to Laugherton to a cottage across road and three up from present site (Rosedene?) Flat roofed two storey extension built to accommodate P.O. Mrs. Ethel (WI) Manning ran P.O. here from c1960. (WW) c1960's (WI). She died of a brain haemorrhage when she was 50 in November, 1970. Mrs. Baker used to help/relieve at P.O. When EM died her husband a Squadron Leader told Mrs. B. that he wanted the P.O. out of the house as soon as possible.

Jimmy and Pat Cooney, Irish people, took over Laugherton shop from Mrs. Moore who had it for many years when she died (W&K). They then took over the P.O. c1971/72 and ran it to 1974. (W) Les Ryall SPM 1974-1976 (W) Retired Naval Man didn’t suit (K) George Holmes SPM c1977-1980 until his wife developed bad arthritis (W) Kenneth and Dorothy Marks run business 6years (K) 5 (W) Mr. Derek Kirk SPM since October 1985. The business in 1991 was an unopposed general stores but not newspapers. Full Time one position Cash Account office with mail dispatched to Doncaster, closes WED and SAT pm. Shop area has been extended over the years and staircase moved 3 times. Large tree trunk in centre of shop holds ceiling up. (K) Someone else may then have operated post office for a short time  (Y) Mr. & Mrs. Ron & G. L. Gee running business by 22nd October, 1993 and still there 24^th June, 1996. (AR) Nigel Sinclair appointed in September, 2003 with partner J. By 2006 they have broadened the scope of the business.  They have a Hanco ATM, sell newspapers on an agency basis and sell a range of animal feeds. (S) By July 2007 Jennie Simmonds appointed. Hoped to become a National Lottery outlet but application turned down. (T)

Self Inking Date stamp by 2002.

Information from Mr. & Mrs. Kirk (K) Trentside Links issue 154, Mr. Kyme, Newton (Y), Mr. & Mrs Westgarth (W) Mrs. Wingate (WI) Marion Baker (B) Mr. Walter Weaver and Son (WW) N. & J. Sinclair (S)

LAUGHTON

POPULATION 1921 377

1849 Post Office Directory P.O. J. Coolling shoemaker and P.O.,

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

Early site of P.O. was in a cottage now demolished next to No. 4 Blyton Road. Then sited in a lean-to at No.4 Blyton Road opposite to present site. Mrs. Wright was SPM and telephonist. Mr. Brumby married her daughter and became SPM. He died suddenly. Mr. Day SPM since 1/3/1965. He moved P.O. to existing site in shop at No. 1 Blyton Road. Mail from Gainsborough, comes under Doncaster Area. Mailwork office for parish and South Carr until c1977.C/A F/T office open each afternoon except Saturday, ("can't afford a half day"). Was originally a small shop in lean-to next to house but he extended it into the one general stores of the village it is now. Datestamp 8/33.

LEA

POPULATION 1921 182

(OB313 1856 Lincs. Lea? vacant 1874) listed 1914/1964

1933 Kelly’s lists a Post & Tel Call Office Letters From Gainsborough G. Hill Joiner

closed by 1977,

LEADENHAM

POPULATION 1921 611

1849 - P.O. W. Colton postmaster and schoolmaster. letters from London via Grantham by mail coach in 9am out 4pm. and from Lincoln by mail coach in 4pm out 9am,

P.O. sited in white house at Post Office Yard (A&S) Mrs. Kelley ran P.O. in 1930's and Mr. Kelley also delivered the mail(A).

1933 Kelly’s confirms that a Post, M.O., T. & T.E.D. Office Letters From Lincoln  was owned by L. Kelley Stationer. (D)

P.O. jutted out from end of white house between the house and the present footpath.(A) Also a boot and shoe shop adjoining or part of P.O. Then P.O. sited opposite George Hotel in corner of road.(S) It was next to the funeral parlour (D) Moved there prior to 1940(A) Mr. and Mrs. Mucklow (A,D&S) ran it with staff. Mr. Mucklow used to have a grocery round with one of the staff bicycling round to take orders for delivery next day. This site was demolished in September, 1969 so P.O. moved to Main Road site shortly before then.(S) Mr. Vic(tor) Deighton SPM with his wife Florrie. They were took on the P.O. at present site into their existing shop at 10 Main Road. Mr. D. also had the blacksmiths opposite. By their time mail was being delivered from Welbourne. Lady from Fulbeck used to cycle to Welbourn to bring and deliver Leadenham’s mail. They didn't mix in the village. (S) Mr. John (Johnny) Wilson SPM for about 1 year. but wife couldn't settle(S) He went to Australia (B) Mr. Derek Stokes SPM c1974/1976-1988. He joined rear bakehouse to main part of shop extending shop area and moving counter from S.E. corner of former back of the shop to the new back of the shop. (B). Mr. G Maurice Orton SPM with his wife from 11^th August, 1988. (P) They were there for nearly 2 years but she didn't take to it (B). They came from Birmingham (S) Mrs. Pat Butler SPM since 9^th May, 1990. Runs P.O. with her daughter in a general stores, counter newspapers and also in May, 1992 organising deliveries to cover for man ill in hospital. Site used to be a bakers and was originally occupied by nuns. (B) Site owned by Reeves Estate which charges a high rent (S) Popular and well liked in village (S) By 2010 sited at 10 Main Road Leadenham. Run by S. Constable with an ancilliary business of tea room, confectionery drinks, crisps. (U)

INFORMATION from Stan Ash (A) Jesse Sergeant (S) Pat Butler (B) Mrs. Dawson (D) P.O.C.L. Sheffield (P) SPM internet (U)

LEAKE See Old Leake

LEAKE COMMONSIDE

P.O. in same 150-year-old building. Dacuss's there by 1917, shown certificates to be registered to sell various products in shop from Ministry of food. Tom ? Dacuss senior was a tailor. His son Tom took over between 1917-1930 and ran P.O. until he retired when nearly 80.

1933 Kelly’s confirms that a Post & Tel Call Office Telegrams Depatched Only, Letters From Boston was owned by A. Dacass Grocer.

Tom had a horse and cart to take round items. Mrs. Dacuss was noted for her home made jams and pickles. Miss Val Summers SPM c1972 (1969?)-1977. In her 50's when she took over, a quiet lady, no transport. Used to exactly calculate what it has cost to live each week, very independent, once walked to doctors at Stickney on her own, rather than ask for a lift. During her time Mrs Emm English came for closed shop in Chapel lane. This brought cheese and other lines to the shop. Emm wonders how the Dacuss's lived, Miss Summers modernised interior, took out old cooking range and hand basin from present storeroom and fitted bathroom and storage heating. She had to give P.O. up to return to her parents who were suffering with cancer. Emm continued to work in shop for 23 years. (Vera) and Ken Horrocks SPM c1977-1984. They were the last to sell wool. Ken Henson SPM c1984-1989, Bob Lunnon SPM since start 1989. One shop in village, general stores. F/t C/A office. Mr. & Mrs. Lunnon moved counter to present position in east corner.

LEASINGHAM

POPULATION 1921 403 (South And North)

In 1872 Abraham Cravan SPM, P.O. sited across the road from the church in a house now extended and named 'Captains Hill'(GA). Then moved to Chapel Lane to a redbrick house and shop almost opposite present site (now NSPCC charity shop) Len Muxlow was SPM there in 1922(GA). When Muxlow died P.O. moved to the Square, sited in the large double fronted house on the south side (GA) 'The Little House'(G) [probably same]. Mr. Wollaton SPM then Miss Brinning an ex school teacher followed on.

By 1928(GA) P.O. moved to 22 Lincoln Road which was originally the site of 'The Sun P.H.'(G/GA). Mrs. Hunt SPM and shopkeeper until she retired in July 1945.(GA) 1933 Kelly’s lists a  Post & Tel Call Office Letters From Sleaford but the owner not listed. (D)

Jess and Gladys Pickard took over in 1945 and Mrs. Pickard SPM until she died in 1958.(T) Mr. Pickard used to keep bees, chickens and goats at the back of the property. Mrs. Pickard was horrified one day when a local farmer came into P.O. with the top of his thumb he had cut off in a bag asking Gladys what he should do. Like so many queries brought to her she had to cope and arranged for him to be taken to hospital.(T) Jess Pickard continued with the P.O. until he died in 1960. The site was then bought by Mr. Membury at auction and the Adamsons ran it (T) Mrs. Adamson retired and as shop damp it was relocated to 22/24 Chapel Lane when Mrs. Doris (Dot) Goodwin took over as SPM in 1978 (G). Present site was a builders office with integral garage. Site leased from the builder and garage area used at first and later food shop extended over whole of ground floor area and site acquired by exchanging their previous home. Busi- ness run by Mr. & Mrs. Goodwin and their son. F/T C/A office. Closes on a Friday and Saturday, P.O. reluctant to agree to a Friday closing but agreed as Ruskington and Sleaford close on Wednesday. No longer a mails office, mail brought from Sleaford to supply two bicycle rounds in the village. Beauty and the Beast video tapes sent all over the world from here. INFORMATION from the Goodwins (G). Mr. & Mrs. Gant (GA) & Hazel Taylor(T)

LEGBOURNE

POPULATION 1871 543, 1881 476, 1891 464, 1901 369, 1911 357, 1921 334, 1931 416,

According to Post Office records the office probably opened in 1872. The 1882 Post Office Directory lists Mr. Thomas Dann grocer and P.O. mail in 8, out 4.45. 1885 now listed as shopkeeper mail from Louth in 8, out 4.40 summer, 4.30 winter. 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 1887 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 1889.  1892 mail in 7.30, out 4.35. 1896 P.O. Mrs. Mary Ann Dann mail in 6.45, out 4.55. w.d.o. Postal Orders Issued only. 1900 P.O. M.O.O., S.B., A&I Mrs. Mary Ann Dann mail in 6.45, out 6.55. w.d.o. 1905 P.O. M.O.O., S.B., A&I Miss Annie Dann mail in 6.45, out 7pm. 1909 P.O. M.O.O., S.B., A&I Mrs. Annie Arliss mail out 7.20pm. 1913&1919 mail in 6.45 & 11.40, out 11.50 & 6.40. 1922 P. & M.O., On 26^th May, 1926 a telegraph was installed (Code UGB). 1930-37 P.O. M.O., T, &TED. O.

First site in first house at Louth End of Post Office Row.(C) Miss Dann sister of Mrs. Arliss was blind. Mr. Arliss was the postman. Mrs. Arliss nicknamed "Bullerdann" became ill and gave it up though she said she would only be taken out of there in a box. Mrs. Iris Wallers first introduction to P.O. work was at age 12. She was 'nursing' Mrs. Dann when office was closed except for incoming telegrams. 35 word telegram came and Mrs. Dann insisted on taking call and shouting out message to Iris. This made it more difficult to make sense of it.(I) Miss Enderby probably took over from Mrs. Arliss. She had done P.O. work at Skegness before. She moved P.O. to cottage to left of archway. Sited in her front room. Had P.O. from before 1940. Still telegraph office during war but for some reason Post Office records state it was discontinued by August, 1946. Mrs. Cooper SPM c1952-1955, rented P.O. from Miss E. for 12/- pw. Found it boring when it was quiet. Had to meet post van from Louth at 7.20, Eric Musson sorted and delivered to village and Little Cawthorpe by bicycle finishing 9.30-1000. Gave up P.O. when husband returned form army. (C) Sited in house to west of current site. (Mrs. Evans had it and her partner Mrs. Curtis was SPM? probably Miss Enderby and Mrs. Cooper?) Mr. Tomlinson SPM thought to have moved it to present site.(F) Mr. Fawcett SPM 1957-1965. Not pleased that P.O. wouldn't stamp his insurance card after having promised to do so at interview. Remembers balancing on a Saturday and balancing at the end of the month which if it fell on a Friday another balance had to be done on Saturday. Was paid £4 p.w. and remembers getting an increase, the only office in the area to do so. Cleared box and datestamped letters and parcels. Mail delivered from office at Christmas. Used to cycle out from Louth and do Little Cawthorpe. Cheques not acceptable unless authorised. Auditors came once and found balance in surplus, Mr. F thought some of his shop money got mixed in. Auditors took money away and it was 3 months before he got it back. Used to have to apply for NSC. (F) Mrs. Fairbanks SPM, her mother Mrs. Hollings had worked in TSO in Bradford from 15 but too really too old to be appointed at interview rather than her daughter. They ran P.O. for c8-9 but unfortunately Mrs. F. died and they decided to give it up.(H) Next SPM probably Mr. Alan Woodward c8 years 1976-84 now at Wragby.(W) Mrs Taylor SPM 1 year 1984/85 Mrs. Wells SPM from 1985-4/1991. General stores and newspapers, shop area doubled.(W)

Information from Mrs. Wells(W), Mr. Fawcett(F), Mrs. Hollings (H), Mrs. Cooper(C), Mrs. Waller(I)

LEGSBY

closed since 1977, possibly 1979 or a little later,

LEVERTON

POPULATION 1921 520

1933 Kelly’s lists a Post & Tel Call Office Letters From Boston F. Ablard Shopkeeper

LIMBER  (Also known as Limber Magna and Great Limber)

POPULATION 1841 - 451, 1851 - 531, 1861 - 514, 1871 - 541, 1881 - 489, 1891 - 530, 1901 - 498, 1911 - 483, 1921 - 403, 1931 - ?

The office was opened by 1835 with mail being delivered from Brigg. Letters despatched received an impression from a 38x8mm handstamp of an unusual design with Limber contained in a box.  An undated circular datestamp with two arcs was provided for the office on 4^th February, 1841.  White’s directory of 1842 shows a Post Office at the New Inn operated by Sarah Fa—riet. In 1844 when the larger offices were numbered Limber was allocated No. 131 and a numerical horizontal oval obliterator would have been provided to cancel postage stamps on letters accepted at the office. Over 900 offices were so numbered at this time mostly in alphabetical order. However, Limber and Caister (No.130) were numbered after their mail delivery office Brigg (No. 129) indicating that Brigg was the primary office where mail for all three was initially delivered. By 1849 George Sparrow was listed as the mail receiver at the New Inn. When Ulceby Post Office was established as a money order office and post town on 6^th October, 1851 mail was delivered to Limber from there. This also probably meant that Limber had been downgraded somewhat as when later versions of the obliterator were supplied to Ulceby they were not supplied to Limber.  I have not done the research but I believe the Earl of Yarborough’s mail requirements had a direct bearing on the areas post offices.  Limber was probably where the estates mail was initially delivered from, but with the coming of the railway to Ulceby this office gained importance. Mr. Sparrow was also listed as a farmer in addition to Inn Keeper. A new undated circular datestamp was provided on 13^th February, 1858.  Sparrow probably died by 1861 as by then Mrs. E. Sparrow is shown as running the inn.

The Post Office had also moved to the village shop and Mrs. Catherine Fytche had been appointed (DIR). The shop had been built on the site of some 18^th Century cottages. In the 1820s George Fytche (1799-1846) and Catherine Fytche (1800-1871) from Irby took the shop. Daughter Lucy was born in 1825, and son William in 1831. They were grocers, newsagents and haberdashers. (C) William died in 1865. Lucy and John Dann ran the shop after Catherine’s death – Lucy survived John by 11 years. (C) White’s directory of 1872 lists John as the Postmaster and the 1891 Kelly’s shows Lucy as the person responsible.  1881 saw 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/- but Limber may not have started selling them until 1890 when a rubber datestamp was provided. From 1^st July 1892 Brocklesby was set up as a Sub Office and mail was delivered from here to Limber rather than Ulceby. By 1905 Postal Orders could be issued and paid (DIR).

In 1907 Catherine died and local carpenter Arthur West acquired the business. The post office was transferred to tailor Edwin R. Cooper at “Hunter’s Moon” on Grasby Rd (C).  This probably coincided with the installation of a Telegraph on 6^th August, 1907 (Code UMB) and the range of services was further expanded by 1908 as by then the office could also deal with Money Order and Savings Bank Business.  At this time the office also opened on Sunday from 8.00am to 10am for telegrams and the sale of stamps. From 1913 mail was delivered from Grimsby but this was short lived as from January, 1915 mail was delivered from Habrough. By 1918 the office still opened on Sunday but only from 8.30 to 10.00. By 1922 a Telegraphic Express Delivery Service was offered and telephone calls could be accepted to places within a limited distance (DIR). The Post Office returned to Arthur West’s in 1926. He was still listed as a carpenter.

Les May sold newspapers from a shack next to the New Inn, but when Arthur West retired in 1948 Les moved into the shop (C).  By 1937 the telephone number was Keelby33. Mail continued to be delivered from Habrough until at least 1952 but by 1954 it began to be delivered from Grimsby (DIR). Britain decimalised in 1971, and Les May retired and sold the shop to Mr & Mrs Potter. The Potters sold out to Bob and Florrie Cooper 9 months later. In 1985 Sue and Alan Caine took over the shop, followed by Dave & Marie Spencer in 1989, and then by Paulette Lymbrick. Barry & Cheryl Moor took the business in 1995, and transferred it to Jayne & David Irons in April 2000 (C).   

Information (DIR)- Directories/own information/information from P.O. records by Ken Smith. (C) - “Great Moments in History” by Alan Caine

For more information about Limber and the Current Post office Stores http://david.villagestores.users.btopenworld.com

 LINCOLN

POPULATION 1931 66,246

In 1842 P.O. in Guildhall Street on S. side of the road about 10 plots up from the eastern end (W. Wood St. P-A-G Map)

1849 - P.O. P.O. & M.O.O. T. Bousfield postmaster Cornhill. letters from London, S. W. & N. in 5am out 7.50pm box closes 7pm to 7.30pm 1d. fee and 2d. fee to despatch. Letters from Grantham via Cliff Row, Stamford and E. Lincs in 1045am out 2pm. Day mail letters for Newark, Nottingham, Derby, Hull and N. must be posted by 1130am. Letters from London, S. & W. arrive 5.30pm. Three deliveries per day at 7.30am, noon and 6.00pm. Free posts to Nettleham, Scothern, Sudbrooke, Langworth, Greetwell, Cherry Willingham, Reepham, Fiskerton, Waddington, Harmston, Coleby, Boothby, Canwick, Heighington, Washingborough, Burton Carlton, Broxholme, Saxilby, Branston, Nocton, Dunston, Metheringham, Blankney, Scopwick, Rowston, Digby, Ashby, Bloxholme and Ruskington. Money Orders granted and paid 9.00am-2.00pm and 3.00pm to 4.30pm

(OB458) Lincoln (D)

Postmaster on 25^th December, 1899 was Mr. J. T. Walker (C)

Frederick Joseph Ogle was Postmaster around 1900 to 1912. (J) If you have any further information or can confirm this please contact us.

1933 Kelly’s lists a Post, M.O., T. Office & Inland Revenue Business & T.E.D. Office Guildhall Street E.H. Drummond Superintendent, W. Pepperdine Postmaster G.P.O.

Lucy Muriel Cox - She lived at Woodcocks farm. She worked at Lincoln Main Post Office sometime around 1950 till 1955/6. If you have any information on this lady or have any group photo showing her, a contact would love to hear from you.

B.O. Lee Ward branch Manager in 1990's. David Bradford Branch Manager by October, 1997. (R)

Information C. Gilbert (C) David Jones, (J) Directories/own information/information from P.O. records by Ken Smith, (D) Andrew Reynolds, (R)

ABOVE HILL

In 1849 office located at 4 Bailgate receiving house Miss M. Peek mistress at W. Peek’s bookseller, stationer and binder.  Office renamed Bailgate in 1928 (poc 2/5/1928)

BAILGATE TSO

Renamed from Above Hill in 1928 (poc 2/5/1928).

1933 Kelly’s lists a Town Sub-Post & Tel. Call Office & M.O. Office (Telegrams Can Be Handed In Only, T.M.O's Issued But Not Paid) Bailgate Alex S. Birkbeck M.P.S. Chemist No.5 (later the gift shop),

By 1937 Mr. Alex S. Birkbeck was still Subpostmaster and  Chemist here and also at 139 Burton Road (D). Much later Mr. Brackenborough(?) was in post until he was dismissed for irregular accounting. Then P.O. moved c1976 to No.4 Bailgate (now Abigail's Emporium) with Mr. Lance Briggs as Subpostmaster Mr. Brian Melton Subpostmaster since 3rd February, 1983 and also a member of the NFSP district committee. He moved P.O. to present site at 90 Bailgate, just across on the east side of the road from former site at the N.E. corner of Bailgate and Eastgate c1987. One unit type of shop with three positions and a till position for sales of stationery, cards, postcards, sweets, soft drinks and tobacco. No post box outside so has home made one at entrance. Many foreigners visit the office as in the tourist part of Lincoln. Many businesses in area so stamp sales form the major part of the business. Conversely few green giros. No half day and no lunch hour taken. Not datapost. Finally was given MVL's in September, 1993. District Office considered Bailgate would be about the last office to be granted in as Newport just to the north, the Branch Office just to the South and St. Giles the next office to the east all did it. However the local M.P. is B. Carlisle who was Minister for Roads and a request from Brian personally to him brought success! Brian retired 9/93 Star datestamp is older date 4/37? 47? 67?. Parcel stamp square type with type on a wheel c1980.(BM) Norman Horton appointed by 2/94 Information B.M.  By April, 2005 Simon Clarke formerly at Hykeham Moor was due to be appointed Subpostmaster. In December, 2007 the office was earmarked for closure as part of the 2,500-closure programme.

BIRCHWOOD(also see Woodfield Avenue)

RECEIPT 15/3/1978,12/5/79,24/4/1980,15/7/1981,1/6/1982,31/5/83,28/7/1984,12/6/1985, N.S.S. Newsagents Ltd. Mr. Hammond appointee in October, 1994. Post Office moved from Woodfield Avenue site to present site c1983/1984. Now sited in Fourboyes Newsagents in new shopping complex. Sited in Jasmine Road. Four position C/A office. MVL, B. Gas Keys, Quantum being installed 10/94 but not datapost or YEB. Fraud aware office, has been burgled at least once. Monday morning queue is right out of office and back round to adjoining shop for first hour.  Suffered a ram raid in May,2002.

INFORMATION manageress

BOULTHAM PARK ROAD

1933 Kelly’s lists a Town Sub­Post Tel. Call Office Boultham Park Road Charles. Bransgrove Shopkeeper.

In 1937 Subpostmaster was still Charles Bransgrove ? (D) Sited at No.104 N.W. corner at junction with St. Andrew`s Drive. Used to be owned by COOP as a grocery and green grocery store. Premises had not been lived in and Subpostmaster who bought it modernised shop and restored living accommodation and sold it to Mr. Les Wildgoose who was Subpostmaster c1985-1990. Mr. Tony Parkes from Wolverhampton appointed in August, 1990. He runs the two position office with his wife. They have a large shop area and specialise in greetings cards but also sell sweets and cigarettes. When they took over they had to have a new fascia board fitted. They found it hard work at first and took about a year to get on top of things. They sell gas tokens and do Lincoln rents. In 1993 the council also added the council tax box to the form effectively getting the transaction for free. P.O. did data post until March, 1993.

Information Mr. & Mrs. Parkes

BRACEBRIDGE

1933 Kelly’s lists a Town Sub­Post Tel. Call Office & M.O. Office (Telegrams Can Be Handed In Only, T.M.O's Issued But Not Paid)  Bracebridge 271 Newark Road, However, there is also mention of a W. Halliwell Stationer & Post Office at 321 Newark Road)

RECEIPT 19/6/1986 Ivan Hall BRACEBRIDGE Sited at 321 Newark Road open every day. Peter Halliwell (now at Beverley Grove Hykeham) a former postman SPM by 1966 to June, 1986. His father ran it previously. Ivan Hall SPM and Federation Committee Member and conference Delegate since June, 1986. Datapost and Gas Tokens office. Gas token keys £1 each, sold in £5 lots. 3 position office. Sells confectionery and a stand of greetings cards. Until 1991 used to claim 30 minutes excess attendance allowance and collection not until 17.45. Datestamps - B die 8/62 D/R 1/74, No2 3/82.

Office closed under reinvention programme 23rd September, 2004 (KS)

INFORMATION IH

BURTON ROAD

Knotts SPM 1930 (Crosby Welb)

1933 Kelly’s confirms  a Town Sub­Post & M.O. Office Burton Road Mrs. W. Knott Shopkeeper  No. 96,

Kelly’s 1937 Directory also lists W. R. Knott as Subpostmaster and shopkeeper at 96 (D). Situated at the corner of the east side of Turner Street and the south side of Burton Road. Sells greetings cards, confectionery and videos. Allenton Fisher appointed Subpostmaster in 6/3/1993 following death of Mrs Rene Lyons. On demand currency office by 2006.

Information AF

CANWICK ROAD

1933 Kelly’s lists a Town Sub-Post Tel. Call Office & M.O. Office Canwick Road, but owner not listed.

By 1937 office was located at No.35 and Subpostmaster and Corn Dealer was Mr. Frank Wright (D).

CARHOLME ROAD

1933 Kelly’s lists a Town Sub-Post & M.O. Office Carholme Road Miss N. Allen Draper at No.52.

By 1937 Miss Nellie Allen Subpostmistess and draper, still at No. 52. (D). Closed c1970. Subpostmaster Mr. Crosby (Bing)

Information Tony Judge

CROSS STREET

Former site  was at 101? Cross Street (S.E. corner of Cross St. and Scorer St. now a pet food shop numbered 102A). Present site now at 49 Kirkby Street situated at S.W. corner of Kirkby Street and Cross St. P.O. moved here sometime after 1932 to existing shop run by Harry Ash ex SPM Nocton who bought shop in 1932.(J) 1933 Kelly’s lists a Town Sub­Post & M.O. Office but no location listed.  Kelly’s Directory of 1937 show P.O. at this site but run by Frank Dowson who was also a shopkeeper (D). Operated as a traditional corner shop, selling groceries, sweets and cigarettes. Anthony Vernon Judge appointed Subpostmaster on 4th July, 1961 and took over in August, 1961. Harry Ash unfortunately died not long after retiring. Tony had been apprentices in heavy engineering with Ruston Hornsby and had been made redundant. He decided to seek out a P.O. after talking to Bob Taylor SPM at Waterloo St. P.O. open until 6pm on Saturday and Saturday was balance night. Harry was not doing any of his dockets until Sunday, writing them all out by hand and then balancing. Harry also didn’t have a safe, when he went out the cash and stock accompanied him in a cardboard box. Tony was shown by the NFSP how to add list dockets and complete the balance on Saturday. Later on Saturday closing time was altered to 4.30pm. At first Tony didn’t realise he had to live on the premises until survey fund out he was now. With a young child his wife didn’t like the idea particularly as the premises didn’t have any hot water or a bath. Tony had to have the facilities put in. P.O. is not near a main road and in the middle of a terraced housing area. Lincoln football ground is nearby, they used to purchase a lot of stamps from the P.O. until they were persuaded to have a franking machine. P.O. has one position and has altered little over the years but with the opening of Morrisons and the advent of the supermarket age groceries have been virtually eliminated. Tony has three good luck charms. 1. A single bile bean in a tin he acquired with the business. 2. A wire and fabric bee given by mother on his first day of opening and a Donald Duck which sits behind the screen. One position Girobank office selling gas tokens and Lincoln Bus Tickets. (Sales of tickets are recorded on a roneod form and once a month a Girobank in payment is made. Much income support and family credit business. Green Giros from travellers site. Some travellers can only make a cross and have to be witnessed. The problem occurs when the Irish witness can only make a cross himself! Another amusing recollection was that HP and tomato sauce used to be sold at 1d. a dollop when he first took over. One man used to bring his hot dinner in on a Saturday to have the sauce put on it. Information Tony Judge, former Branch President of NFSP. He has a Lincoln H.O. telephone directory. Office closed under reinvention programme 25th August, 2004. (KS)

EASTBOURNE STREET

Office opened 1^st November, 1899 offered Money Order and Savings Bank Business. Office closed 1^st July, 1901 by Winn Street (S).

Information Ken Smith (S)

ERMINE

Mr. Harry Corbett was a policeman on Tyneside and was transferred to Lincoln. Wages were low for the police in the early 1950's, £2 12/6 per week. He had been interest in the plans for the new estate which was being built and put in a tender for one the row of shops which were being built for the estate. At the interview he had to state what he intended to sell - newspapers, sweets, cigarettes etc and was successful. Then he successfully applied to be a Subpostmaster and was appointed in 1954 or 1955. His sister in law and Husband Mr. and Mrs. Hoggitt also moved down from Tyneside to help in the business. There were only 50-60 houses at first but estate quickly grew up. Business was hampered at first by the fact that limited supplies of sweets and cigarettes could only be ordered due to postwar shortages. Post office counter as on the right as you went in and had a metal wire screen. Plenty of custom, even from the other estate Ermine west as people come across to take children to school. Pensioners on supplementary benefit had two books in those days. Decimal currency was a trial, explaining the new money to the pensioners when paying it out. When they obtained an extra datestamp it made balancing up easier as dockets could be stamped with the next days date and counted as cash! (Needless to say not condoned by the Post Office). No break-ins or robberies during his time. (C) Harry Corbett Subpostmaster until 1974. (RS,C) When his daughter of 21 died he lost interest in the job. current SPM John Spencer, brother of Robert. He bought adjoining hairdressing shop to south and it moved to the then grocers shop to the north. (It had to be done in this way because the stairs to the flats above are to the north of the shop). The new premises were then developed as a convenience store and a three position Post Office counter fitted in the S.W. corner of the site. Post Office sited at 3 Lambeth House Ermine (off Woodhall Drive). Store now employs 21 staff and bakes bread and cooks meat for here and Rookery Lane. Opening hours of the post office have been specially extended and are now 0800-5.30 MON & THURS, 0900-5.30 TUE & FRI, 0900-1300 WED and 0900-12.30 SAT. Margaret the former manageress at Nettleham P.O. manages the Post Office. Busy office - sign on P.O. screen "no queuing inside 10 minutes before opening". Also keen to get customers to use shop as well as P.O. as offering 8 pints of milk instead of seven for each milk token. Unsuccessful Ram raid 1993.

INFORMATION R Spencer(RS) Mr. Corbett and Betty Hoggitt(C)

HORTON STREET

1933 Kelly’s lists a Town Sub-Post & M.O. Office Horton Street W. Hird Grocer sited the final site at166 Monks Road on the N.E. corner of Monks Road and Horton Street.

By 1937 William Hird was still Subpostmaster and Grocer (D).  Office sited with other shops, a hairdressers and for many years there was a wool shop opposite. The entrance door was formerly at the corner of the shop but has now been moved to the front. The probable first owners were followed by a couple who were only there for about 18 months as the husband died. They were replaced by Mr. & Mrs. Johnson who ran it for about 30 years. Mrs. Helen Whatton appointed in October, 1988. She had lived in Corby Northants and was looking for a venture to set up her own business. It was a grocery shop when she took over but after 18 months it was altered to cards, sweets tobacco etc. Two position office, about 500,000 units. Issues gas tokens and also does Datapost though many of her former industrial customers in the area have been approached direct. Mrs. Whatton had planned on being there for 5 years but it has now exceeded that. (HW) Paul Tickhill appointed November, 1985. Reinvention closure 2003.

Information (HW)

HYKEHAM MOOR (see letter H entry)

RECEIPT 10/1/1988 N. F. Taylor

HYKEHAM ROAD

LANGWORTH GATE

1933 Kelly’s lists a Town Sub-Post Tel. Call Office & M.O. Office Langworth Gate Mrs. A. Howson Shopkeeper and the office was sited at  No.33,

By 1937 Mrs. Alice Maud Howson was still shopkeeper and Subpostmistess.

MAGPIE SQUARE

1933 Kelly’s lists a Town Sub-Post Tel. Call Office & M.O. Office at 3 Melville St.,

By 1937 sited at 1a & 3 Melville St. Site occupied by Harrison’s Wireless Engineer’s (D).

MELVILLE STREET

Ivan Hall first and last SPM opened in 1964 and closed c1985.(IH) Closed 30/9/85 (ODRH) Had two positions and was also a newsagents (IH)

INFORMATION IH

MONKS ROAD

1933 Kelly’s lists a Town Sub-Post Tel. Call Office & M.O. Office (Telegrams Can Be Handed In Only, T.M.O's Issued

But Not Paid),

Originally sited at No. 40 Monks Road at the eastern corner of Vine Street (now 'The Aquarium'). Listed in 1937 Kelly’s as Martel Ltd. Chemists 40 Monk’s Road TN597 (D). Then moved eastwards to 42 Vine Street, originally two shops and was a chemists. Mr. Langsdale was SPM and Mrs. Lyons later of Burton Road may also have been SPM.(She was SPM-staff Burton Road) Mr. B. Guy SPM from c1980-1986 when Marilyn Rutley became SPM. (Mr. Guy SPM to c1989)(Mr. Corbett) P.O. with stationery and cards. Has had new fascia board fitted. By arrangement with the DSS, office deals with Green Giros for people of no fixed abode. YMCA is nearby. Simon Hare Subpostmaster since c1997.

INFORMATION M.R.

NEW BOULTHAM

NEWARK ROAD

1933 Kelly’s lists a W. Halliwell Stationer & Post Office 321 Newark Road).

By 1937 office was still sited at 321 Newark Road Tel No. 596 and Subpostmaster was William Fretson Halliwell (D).

NEWPORT

1933 Kelly’s lists a Town Sub-Post & M.O. Office.

Early photo of Allenton's shows Mr. Ward, his daughter Alice and Son in law Mr. J. Coulbeck outside P.O. at present site. Ward was a baker and confectioner. Mr. Flint's relations ran it. The business ceased to be a bakers during their time but baking continued in premises at rear. Then Mr. Smith took over as Subpostmaster followed by Mike Williams c1968. Mr. Allenton Fisher Subpostmaster since January, 1978. He held the post of NFSP Treasurer. Shop was a health food shop and bakers when he took over but now sells confectionery, cards and stationery. Two position office with a third available. Datapost office - items from Hospital, MVL office from February, 1991. Issues gas but not electric tokens. From March, 1993 electronic scales (butchers type) fitted as an experiment, they weigh up to 15KG. Office closed under reinvention programme 25th August, 2004. (KS)

Information A.F.

ROOKERY LANE

Sited at 226 Rookery Lane. Mr. Stevenson had the Post Office in the 1920's. The area was undeveloped then. The P.O. was in a wooden shed and was a bicycle shop and sold newspapers (S).

1933 Kelly’s lists a Town Sub-Post Tel. Call Office & M.O. Office. A. Stephenson Newsagent

1937 Directory lists Subpostmaster as Alfred and business as a newsagents TN1056 (D).  Les Stevenson took it over from his father and continued as SPM until 30/12/1987. Area now developed 1930's? with a lot of council housing.(S) P.O. in parade of shops at 4 road junction with COOP supermarket opposite. Mr. Robert Spencer appointed as SPM. He has extended premises at rear and moved counter from back wall to back right corner. Manageress for office, up to 4 positions. Trades as Spencers newsagents. Large newsagents, convenience store, greetings cards, videos.  By 27/3/2002 Mrs. Jane Halliwell appointed. Five positions available by 2002.

Information RS Les Stevenson former Subpostmaster. (S)

SINCIL STREET

New Post Office opened on this site on Monday 21st July, 1997. Postcode LN5 7EY. Datestamps from Chapel Hill, St. Botolphs and Southrey used until self inking datstamps delivered.

SPITAL STREET

.

St. BOTOLPH'S

1933 Kelly’s lists a Town Sub-Post Tel. Call Office & M.O. Office.  J. Hague M.P.S., J.P. Chemist 18 High Street,

By 1937 Subpostmaster was Henry A. Barnett who was also a confectioner.  The Office was Sited at 1 High Street but the list of offices sites it at No.18 so the office may have moved from there about this time. Mr. Brewer SPM by c1952. Miss Rhoda Lacock appointed in 1973/1974. P.O. only. Rhoda had to rescue a lady from a mental home who jumped of the bridge and into the drainage dyke which runs next to the P.O. She also experience a 5 handed robbery during the day. Also a St. Botolph's at 1 High St. Colchester which sometimes confuses the DSS.  Now closed

INFORMATION R.L.

ST. GILES

1933 Kelly’s lists a Town Sub-Post Tel. Call Office & M.O. Office. William Percy Rolitt Shopkeeper  248 Wragby Road, He was still there in 1937.  Later Les Sheriff Subpostmaster in the 1980’s. Taken over by the Cooperative in 1992. Dina manager. Operated as a 3 positions P.O. only issuing MVL discs. 

On 14^th February, 2005 office moved to a new location as part of the COOP store in the Carlton Centre and opened for trading on 15^th February.  A purpose built 3-position area provided as a front annexe to the west of the main shop

ST. MARKS

Frederick Melton appointed Subpostmaster c1908 and remained in charge until he died c1970,s 

1933 Kelly’s lists a Town Sub-Post & M.O. Office at 159 High Street.

The 1937 Kelly’s Directory lists the business as Melton’s newsagents, stationers and P.O. TN405 and located at 159 High Street. His son Bernard Frederick took over the newsagents and another son, Arthur was appointed Subpostmaster. He remained there until it closed. Receipt 27/10/1986 N. Mohammedbhai

Brian Melton ran it for a time having previously been at Wragby. His father and uncle had run St. Marks prior to that. (B.Wood) closed by April, 1988,

St. PETER-AT-GOWTS

Sited in High Street, opposite the church at the corner of Alfred Street. A gowt is a local word for a stream. Office opened about the same time as Lincoln Racecourse and was one of the first TSO's in Lincoln and the first on the High Street. Mr. F. Lenthall SPM during 1WW. His son Bernard returned after 1WW and worked in P.O. and became SPM. (BW) 1933 Kelly’s lists a Town Sub-Post Tel. Call Office & M.O. Office (Telegrams Can Be Handed In Only, T.M.O's Issued But Not Paid) F. Lenthall & Son Grocers 105 High Street.

Kelly’s Directory of 1937 locates the office at 105 High Street, TN547 with the business in the name of Fras. Lenthall & Son. Mr. Lenthall SPM before 1940 c 1925(WW Lau). Premises had Public House adjoining behind and the P.O. had an off licence, bottling it's own wines etc. During 2WW cellar was fitted with an underground telephone exchange for use if the main exchange was bombed. A V.R. wall box was fitted on the Alfred St. Wall but this was removed sometime after 1952. Mr. William Wood (Bill) from Durham started as manager in 1958 ably assisted by his wife. The three previous managers had all had problems, one had absconded with money, the next had parted with his wife and the third had had accounting errors. Bill had problems at first and on returning to Durham for a few days decided he was going to give it up. When he returned he learnt the HPM wanted to see him and instead of Bill telling him he was going to give it up as planned he found the HPM had already signed him up as acting SPM to maintain continuity at office. Mrs. Wood has seen the ghost of a woman on a number of occasions. Originally shop had two large windows which were dressed, with a double door in the middle. One day a fat man and a fat woman got themselves stuck in one of the door openings and Bill had to open up the other door to release them. Later the present side door was fitted. The site is unusual as an area of pavement outside the shop belongs to the P.O. The counter used to be on the right as you went in through the door and was fitted with a wire mesh grille. The office was a telegraph office and a phone line was provided for P.O. use only. A second phone line was used for incoming calls for a local bookmakers. Bill was appointed in his own right in 1976. Bill was finding that he was having problems on a Thursday as he was last on the list for a REM delivery and wasn't receiving the money sometimes until 12.30. To solve this problem he made an arrangement with the P.O. to provide him with cheques to draw money from the Nat Westminster Bank two doors away. He used a bag chained to his waist and a whistle. He also received quantities of electricity and gas board coin which he could also exchange there for notes. The 'Black Panther' robbed the office c1970. When St. Mark's the office further north on the High Street closed about 300 pensioners transferred and Bill, his wife and Mandy were kept busy. It was the first Friday though which caught them out, Bill had gone to the wholesalers, Mandy was busy ordering on the phone and Mrs. was left to deal with an influx of new green giro customers. Derek Wright appointed SPM on 23/11/1988. 3 Position office, computerised in November, 1992. Also an off licence, confectionery, stationery cards etc. Office was moved for a period to a nearby ex bank site further south in the High Street. Derek Wright resigned as Subpostmaster in 2000 and office was transferred to COOP nominees. In December, 2007 the office was earmarked for closure as part of the 2,500-closure programme.

INFORMATION Bill Wood 14 Gaunt St.

STAMP END

SWALLOWBECK

Population see North Hykeham

The office probably opened in 1904 when a rubber datestamp was issued to frank postal orders sold.  The first Subpostmaster was probably the one listed in the 1909 directory – Edward Henry Thompson.  He was also a shopkeeper and the office was sited on the Newark Road. Mail arrived from Lincoln at 8.00, 2.30 (2.40 by 1913) and 6.30pm and was despatched at 8.00, 2.20pm and 6.30pm.  Between 1913 and 1922 Mrs. Edith M. Eastment, also a grocer, was appointed.  The office probably remained on the same and probably only site.  This was on the east side of the road at the city boundary at “The Pines” next to the Wesleyan Methodist Mission.  In 1920 the Swallowbeck area was detached from the parish of North Hykeham and transferred to the City Of Lincoln.  As a result the office was reclassified from rural to a Town Sub Office in 1927. 1933 Kelly’s lists a Town Sub-Post & M.O. Office. Mrs. Eastment continued until at least 1937.  By then the office had a telephone TN1015 but did not act as a telephone call office. The office closed on 20^th May, 1955.

Information: Kelly's Directories, P.O. records via Ken Smith (D).

SWANPOOL

1933 Kelly’s lists a W. Armstrong Shopkeeper & Post Office,  Skellingthorpe Road, By 1937 sited at current site at 241 Skellingthorpe Road. Subpostmaster was Richard Leslie Tacey who was also a grocer, TN387 (D). Former shop has now been extended by purchase of adjacent shop to east. Counter was sited where till is now on the west wall.(MGR) RECEIPT 19/4/1977 K. Williams.(NFSP) Mr. John West had it some- time after this c1979-1982. He was the person who bought adjacent shop and moved counter to SE corner. He was there about 4 or 5 years and replaced by Mr. G. Helliwell who was also there 4 or 5 years. Mrs. Jill Cooper present sub postmistress appointed in 1989/1990. She has further extended shop by extended the eastern area taken over further back south over what was a yard. Counter has been moved back into this new area.(mgr) Counter area is substantial with two positions and a side parcel hatch. Could though be worked with three positions. Sells gas tokens. Shop is a Spar by 5/1993

INFORMATION PO ASSISTANT(mgr)

THE FORUM

Opened at a P.O. in March, 1963 at number 8 in a new shopping development. Mr. Tilley appointed as first SPM he was an undischarged bankrupt from the S.E. and lasted only 18 months - bankrupt again? Mr. Neville Spencer appointed in 1965 and ran P.O. until 1982. Mr. Robert Spencer then took over. MVL office. (S) c 2006 EJ Nadaser was appointed Subpostmaster his wife runs Branston Post Office (N)

Information R. Spencer (S) EJ Nadaser (N)

THE OVAL

Situated on St. Giles council housing estate at 76 Macauley Drive. 1933 Kelly’s lists a Town Sub-Post Office. Sited at No 76 by 1937 when Ernest George Thompson was Shopkeeper and Subpostmaster (D). Mr. Doug Pollack Subpostmaster for 30 years. Mr. Singh Dhindza appointed March, 1987. Two position office but three date stamps on busy days. Very busy at opening time many desperate to receive pensions and allowances, some queuing for up to two hours before opening. The office experienced a lot of attempted fraud by customers. Sells gas tokens. Situated in general stores with newspapers and a selection of clothes. (DF) Due to increased vandalism and violence planned to move office (c May,1997) to a new shopping unit on the Nettleham Road. St. Giles and Newport objected to the move but office was moved. S. Dhindza  replaced her father in law but she was suspended in April, 2002. After a period of temporary control Karen Mills was appointed on 13^th September, 2002.

INFORMATION Dhindza family (DF)

THE STRAIT

TRELAWNEY CRESCENT

On housing estate next to COOP store. Opened after Ermine and not as popular as that office (school in Ermine) (Mrs. Hoggitt)

WATERLOO STREET

Bob Taylor was Subpostmaster from the 1930`s until 1975/1976 when the office was closed and demolished to allow for road improvements. Sited at the end of Triton Road where traffic lights now are near Peel Centre. Shop and P.O. used to be open from 6am until 10pm. Long low, dark shop. Cat sat on counter and a joint of beef under a fly net to be cut for sandwiches.

Information Tony Judge.

WEST PARADE

1933 Kelly’s lists a Town Sub-Post Tel. Call Office & M.O. Office (Telegrams Can Be Handed In Only, T.M.O's Issued But Not Paid). Rose Marshall Confectioner sited at No.63,

By 1937 located at No. 49.  Subpostmaster was John William Robinson who also ran a dairy (D).  Earlier site at Butchers? shop on south side of West Parade east of Hampton Street. Now Situated at S.E. corner of Hampton Street and Richmond Road, the address is 47/49 Richmond Road. Mr. Les Grundy Subpostmaster until October, 1984 when he was replaced by Mr. John Hawley.(H) Mr. Nick Beech was appointed Subpostmaster on 24/3/94(B) Corner shop, sweets cards soft drinks etc. One position office.  Dhindza family involved until April, 2002 when Allenton Fisher appointed. Office closed under reinvention programme 25th August, 2004. (KS)

 Information Mr. Hawley JNR 9 St. Faith's Court(H) Mr. Beech (B)

WINN STREET

Replaced Eastbourne Street, opening 1^st July, 1901 and offering Money Order and Savings Bank business. Office closed 1918 (poc 4/6/1918) (S).

Information Ken Smith (S)

WOODFIELD AVENUE

Sited at no 66. Opened in c1969, Mr. Neville Spencer was first SPM. The P.O. opened early before most houses in the area were built.(RS) Sited in a parade of shops opposite Green Man(Barrell?) P.H. Operated as a Post Office with a newsagents,, toys and sweets.(D) N.S.S. bought business in 1975.(D) P.O. closed when new Birchwood shopping centre opened but additional P.O. outlet opened later (M) Mrs. Jo Good Subpostmistess by May, 1999 (POCL)

Information RSpencer(RS) Managaress Birchwood (M), Doreen HLC (D)

YARBOROUGH ROAD

LISSINGTON

POPULATION 1921 203                                                                          

1849 Post Office Directory P.O. Mrs. M. Barker receiver “White Hart”. Letters by messenger from Wragby in 12am out 2pm.

1933 Kelly’s lists a Post & Tel Call Office Letters From Lincoln Mrs. H. Thompson Shopkeeper.

 Community office (one of the first, opens Tue and Thur all day, since 1963 in Bungalow opposite St. Botolph's farm, previously on St. Botolph's farm site, current datestamp in use since 1937,

LITTLE BYTHAM

POPULATION 1921 390

1933 Kelly’s lists a Post, M.O., T. & T.E.D. Office Letters From Grantham.W. Tidswell Joiner

Prior to 1950 the  post office was on High Street (Closer to 'Mrs Bee's shop) and could apparently still be identified by the post box in the wall, even though the post office moved. The owner was apparently a woman. Mrs Bee had wanted the post
office attached to her shop at one point.

From 1950 - 1983, Little Bytham Post office was run by Charlie (d.1983) and Molly Clapton (still going!) at 23 - 27 High Street.  As far as I am aware (and I can check all details) Charlie Clapton had lived in two of the cottages all his life, and when the post office came on the market he bought no 27 to convert into the post office and shop.  Charlie was not only the postmaster, but also ran a taxi service and used to hire out caravans to holiday makers, and ran a village shop.  Jennifer, his granddaughter, remembers that everyone used to get roped in and she used to help her dad deliver the mail from about the age of 3-4! In the Easter of 1983, my granddad died, leaving my nan to look after the shop, however in the October of that year she sold up and moved over to Great Wyrley, Staffordshire, to be near the rest of her family.  The post Office was sold to a guy whose name began with L  who was a gun maker from Lewisham in London, who apparently continued the Post office and also converted some of the Sheds on the land at the back (Jennifer and her sister used to call it the hollow!) to continue with his gun making industry.(C) Office closed July, 1990 (W)

Information (C) Jennifer Clapton, (W) Mrs. Wakerley Bitchfield

LITTLE CASTERTON

LITTLE HALE

POPULATION 1921 264

1933 Kelly’s lists a Post & Tel Call Office Letters From Sleaford. Mrs. M. Fulforth Shopkeeper

LITTLE PONTON

POPULATION 1921 202

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

LITTLE STEEPING

POPULATION 1921 192

Post Office is thought to have always been on same site. Mr. Winn was Subpostmaster in 1918.  Mrs. Brown at 14 helped in shop and was also known to stand in delivering mail and working behind the counter (she shouldn’t have done this). Mr. Winn normally delivered the mail and also had a small farm. Letters were delivered by bicycle from Spilsby before the Second World War. Mrs. Brown thought that Mr. Winn was the last owner to deliver the mail. (B) The 1933 Kelly’s lists a Post & Tel Call Office with Mrs. E. Winn listed as Subpostmistess and Grocer so the appointment appears to be in her name. (D)

Mr. Coppin was appointed Subpostmaster after the Winn’s probably during the war years.  Then Mr. T. Mason was appointed. Five owners who held the appointment for short periods of time followed him. Firstly there was Mr. Cookson c1976. He stayed 2 years to be followed by Mr. Bradwell for 2 or 3 years.  Then Mr. Boswell ran it for another 2 years and he was the last owner to have a proper shopping van round.  Capt. Agnes was the next to be appointed and lasted for two years before getting a railway clerks job at Skegness.  Mr. And Mrs. Freeland replaced him again for about two years. Mrs. B. House was appointed in July, 1988 (B) and Mr. and Mrs. House have successfully operated the business since then to the last time I visited in 2004.  The business continues to be a general stores with a newspaper round which includes Great Steeping on Sundays. (R) In December, 2007 the office was earmarked for closure with an outreach replacement service as part of the 2,500-closure programme.

Information Mrs. Brown, (B) Directories/own information/information from P.O. records by Ken Smith, (D) Andrew Reynolds, (R)

LONDONTHORPE

POPULATION 1921 183

Mrs. Burton a widow who then became Mrs. Clark on remarriage (or vice versa) SPM, probably there before 1WW. Her daughter Mrs. Pickworth then SPM 1928-c1964.

1933 Kelly’s lists a Post & Tel Call Office Letters From Grantham Owner not listed. Mrs. Pickworth’s daughter, Mrs. Glen took over to date. P.O. on south side of main road at east of village. In house dated 1852 opposite Telephone Box, P.O. in front hall. By 2007 office located in the Old School Lodge and operated on a “serve and store” basis.

LONG BENNINGTON

POPULATION 1851 1100, 1861, 1066, 1871 ?, 1881 931, 1891 804, 1901 737, 1911 701, 1921 756, 1931 ?  

According to Post Office records the office probably opened on 19^th November, 1844 when an undated circular datestamp was supplied to the office. The 1849 Post Office Directory lists a Post Office offering basis services but no named receiver is mentioned. The 1855 Directory lists a Post Office with Robert Simpson as the Subpostmaster. The business was located in the premises of George Simpson who was a carpenter.  I am not sure if they were brothers or father and son. Mail was delivered from and dispatched to Grantham. The range of facilities at the office was extended on 1^st July, 1867 when Money Orders could be issued and paid and then from 1^st October Savings Bank business could also be conducted.

Between 1861 and 1868 William Dring replaced Simpson. The location of the business probably moved, as he was a blacksmith and baker. The 1872 Directory lists the business as an Inland Revenue Licence Office, blacksmith and shopkeeper. Although the official records do no list the date a telegraph was installed the Directories do and by 1876 this service was being offered. The 1885 Directory lists William as blacksmith and Post Office only. By 1889 in common with other Savings Bank Offices Annuity and Insurance business could also be conducted. By 1889 William was restricting his activities to just the Post Office as his son William Junior was now listed as the blacksmith and Thomas (another son?) ran the Wheatsheaf Public House and was also a blacksmith. By 1896 William senior had been replaced by Miss Lucy Ann Dring (daughter?), William Junior was still the blacksmith but Mrs Mary Jane Dring controlled the Wheatsheaf and blacksmith. By 1896 the range of services being provided was extended to include Telegraphed Money orders and Express Delivery. By 1900 Lucy had married a Mr. Arnold. The 1900 Directory also lists Parcel Post as one of the services offered but this would have probably been offered as soon as the national service commenced in 1883.

Between 1909 and 1913 Miss Mary E. Wadkin replaced Lucy, no ancillary business is mentioned and the location of the post office may have changed. By 1919 she too had married, joining with a Mr. Wadkin.  Also by this date a telephone had been provided.  Between 1919 and 1922 Mrs. Gertrude Emma Smith was appointed and she is also listed as a shopkeeper, so again the location may have changed. From the 31^st March, 1924 the mail arrangements were altered and from that date mail was delivered from and dispatched to Newark.  In earlier years there had been an additional late evening dispatch to Newark. The 1926 directory makes no mention of a shop and the 1930 and 1933 Kelly’s do not list an owner. The 1937 Directory then lists George Wadkin as Subpostmaster and Stationer with Telephone Number 1.  This would seem to indicate that the location had not altered since 1913 and that he may have been the husband of Mary and in someway connected with Mrs. Smith.  I am not sure how long he continued after 1937. (D)

More recent memories are that the Office is located in Potts Stores and Post Office. The sub-postmistress is Cynthia Booth and she has been there since 1997. She runs the business with her husband John. Prior to that she had been Subpostmistress at Bleasby nr Southwell for12 years (CB).  Her predecessor was John Walker who she thinks had been running the post office for about 10 years (AA). Hours in 2002 are 09.00-17.30 MON-FRI, 09.00-12.30 SAT. Situated in general stores with newspapers. Counter at rear, S.E. corner. Lottery office and has had a Link cash machine since early in 2002.  Suffered a ram raid in May, 2002 but damage only. Not DVLA, but on demand Travel Insurance and Anglian Water billing area. (CB).

Information Directories/own information/information from P.O. records by Ken Smith (D), Anne Alderson (AA), Cynthia Booth (CB)

LONG SUTTON

POPULATION 1921 2,902

1849 Post Office Directory P.O. R. Winfrey Postmaster and hairdresser. Mail from London via Wisbech, received 07.30am, dispatched 5.00pm. Mail from Boston received 12.30am, dispatched 5.30. Money Orders paid 09.00am to 6.00pm.

 (OB959 1885 allocated),

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

LOUTH

POPULATION 1921 9,678

Mail coach from London to Louth was later dragged behind a train on a flat wagon to Peterborough East station. The mail coach contract was later amended to just Peterborough to Louth.(B) The Post Office in Louth was opened by 1727. I am unsure of the location but may just have been at the Mail coaching inn. By 1849 the Postmaster was Mr. T. Simons as mentioned in correspondence examined. As well as Postmaster the business was a chemist, druggist seeds man and cheese and bacon factor. The office was located on the east side of Eastgate at the corner of Post Office Lane (occupied by Wilkinsons in 2005). The office granted and paid money orders from 09.00 to 6.00 (not Sunday) but would probably have opened longer than that. If letters were posted up to 10 minutes before the dispatch of mail they were charged a 1d. additional fee. Presumably T. Simons was the postmaster referred to in correspondence examined as having taken an ounce and a half of laudanum and committed suicide in November, 1857. Simons eldest son may well have been successful in gaining the appointment as the office remained at this location until the middle of the 1880's when the office moved to 16 Market Place.(ML)

On 5 January 1828 Louth was issued with an undated date stamp "LOUTH" in a circle with 2 thin bars completing the circle (I have not seen this) 23mm diameter. Then on 4th October 1830 another similar date stamps was issued, 24mm diameter and also have the month day and year in the centre. This is recorded and being used with black ink between 1834 and 1839 and blue ink in 1842. Then by 1850 a date stamp with LOUTH in the form of a horseshoe with a 1 at the bottom and month day and year in the centre was in use. The number 477 was allocated to Louth in 1844 and a circular barred oval stamp obliterator would have been issued about this time. Prior to this the stamps would probably have been cancelled with a maltese cross. Later this was replaced by a duplex date stamp combining the barred oval with the date stamp which would have LOUTH horizontally across the centre.

1933 Kelly’s lists a Post, M.O., T. & T.E.D. Office located at Eastgate.(D) Frederick Whitworth, bachelor was a supervisor at P.O. until 1936 having started there as a telegraph boy. He didn`t move until his mother died after which he became HPM at Cromer. Miss Speed has a photo of staff. information Miss Speed In December, 1953 F.W. Spirit was HPM, J. Rattenbury Asst. HPM(L) Mr. Preston HPM c1957(Mr. Fawcett Leg'ne) Post Office Lane was renamed Vickers Lane when the post office moved to the Market Place. Later the Post Office moved to purpose built premises in Eastgate where the Royal Mail Sorting Office Still remains. The counter was however down-graded from Crown to Suboffice status in the 1990's and as a turn of fate is now situated in Northgate and Vickers Lane is a popular route for people to reach the office from the Market Place.  Mr. John Fereday was appointed to run the new venture assisted by his wife. He formerly held an appointment at Hull.(F)  The office still offers the full range of Post Office Transactions including Passport Renewal, DVLA work and Datapost. It has also checked driving licences since the service was introduced and c2001 was upgraded from pre order foreign currency to on demand foreign currency.

Mail arrangements                                                                                               arrive     despatched box closes

1849 Mail from Alford, London, Peterborough, Spalding, Boston and Spilsby     4.40am     8.15pm    7.30pm

                         Great Grimsby                                                                         10.30am      3.00pm   2.30pm

                         Hull                                                                                           8.30pm      4.30am   9.00pm             

Information (L) letter to SPM Beesby.(B) Dr. Bavin (ML)Martin Loft (F) J. Fereday

BRACKENBOROUGH ROAD

Office moved from Keddington Road to here between 1939 and by 1941. Sited at No.8, pillar box outside. In type box 1940 year letter seen and 1939 also thought to have been seen. (D) Flynn was the Subpostmaster by 1970. The premises were then a bakery and the door was in the middle of the front of the shop with a Hovis sign above it. Then Arthur Davis was appointed Subpostmaster c1973. The bakery ceased during his time and the door was moved to the South side. Mr. Davis became ill and c1978 his wife Dorothy took over as Subpostmistess. David Southwood was appointed in January, 1982. By this time the shop was selling sweets and a few greetings cards and the counter was in the N.E. corner facing south. In 1985 the front of the shop was extended, the door returned to the front of the shop and the counter moved to the N.W. corner facing south, with two positions provided. Later agreement was reached to sell newspapers and the south side of the shop was extended. (S) By the 1980’s shop was a confectionery, tobacco news stationery and greetings cards shop. Office had an APT machine and sells National lottery instants. A new date stamp was supplied early in 1994. Shop opens 08.30-17.30 MON-FRI and 08.30-12.30 SAT. David's son Blair assists in the post office and his bother looks after the shop side. Self-inking datestamp purchased and first used 12^th November, 2003. Later a full National Lottery service was offered. In December, 2007 the office was earmarked for closure as part of the 2,500-closure programme.

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

CHURCH STREET

This office seems to have been relatively short lived it has yet to be confirmed in the Post Office records. The 1933 Kelly’s Directory does though list a Town Sub Post Office located at No. 83.  Miss E. Taylor was the Subpostmistess and shopkeeper.  Although the date don’t exactly match it is likely that this office took over from when Newmarket closed in 1917 until it was re-established in 1930. (D)

Information Directories/own information/ (D)

EASTGATE see Trinity

KEDDINGTON ROAD

According to Post Office records this office opened in 1932 (P)

The 1933 Kelly’s lists a Town Sub-Post Office operated by Mrs Maria Rhodes who was also listed as a Grocer. (D) The office was situated on left hand side of the hill in a Grocers shop. Used to do baking (C) This was probably where the Spar shop on the corner of Keddington and Brackenborough Roads. The office moved  to Brackenborough Road  between 1939 and 1941.

Information Mrs. Conyers (C), Directories/own information/information from P.O. records by Ken Smith (D) Post Office Circular 9/11/1932 (P), Andrew Reynolds (R)

NEWMARKET

According to Post Office records a Post Office opened at this site on 1^st March, 1888 the same date as a similar office was opened in Eastgate. The 1889 Directory lists Matthew Wilson as Subpostmaster and Baker with the office being located at No.35. In addition to the basic range of Post Office services Money Order and Savings Bank Business could also be conducted. Postal Orders would also have been issued and cashed. By 1892 in common with other Savings Bank Offices Annuity and Insurance business could also be conducted. In that period Money Orders were paid 9.00am to 6.00pm Monday to Friday and until 7.00pm on Saturday. When introduced The Post Office would have opened 8.00am to 8.00pm daily (but probably not including Sunday). Matthew is also listed in that year as a grocer and baker. Between 1896 and 1900 Mr. Joseph R. E. Burnett was appointed.  He was relatively short-lived, as by 1905 he had been replaced by Mrs. Annie Eliza Beecroft. She in turn was replaced by 1909 by Mr. William Thomas Bett.  It is thought the business remained on the same site throughout being described variously as bakery, grocery or just shop. Although Bett continued in the business until at least 1919 (D) the post office was closed in 1917. (P) I think the Post Office was then relocated to Church Street but the earliest confirmed date for this is 1933.  According to Post Office records the office was re-established in 1930. (P) This though conflicts though with the 1933 directory entry and to further confuse matters there is no directory entry of any sort in the 1926, 1930 and 1937 Directories. (D) The new (and present) location was 161 Newmarket.  From 2^nd May, 1986  Alan P Stainton had been appointed Subpostmaster. He and his wife Jackie lived in the flat above the Post Office.  The counter was in the rear north east corner of the premises.  Two positions were operated.  He resigned and took over Scawby Post Office was was replaced by Mr. Raj Rajah and his wife J.  As they have a family they do not use the flat upstairs.  A convenience store with a Spar franchise was operated although later a different supplier was chosen.  An internal cash machine service is offered in addition to the normal services offered by a town sub post office. (R) In December, 2007 the office was earmarked for closure as part of the 2,500-closure programme. 

Information  Directories/own information/information from P.O. records by Ken Smith (D) Post Office Circulars 8/9/1917 and 1/10/1930 (P), Andrew Reynolds (R)

TRINITY (FORMERLY EASTGATE)

The Directory of 1885 lists Jesse Thomas Smith as a shopkeeper at 169. He may have still owned the shop when, according to Post Office records a Post Office opened at this site on 1^st March, 1888. By 1889 Smith no longer owned the shop and the directory lists an Eastgate Town Receiving Office, with Mr.William Melbourne Junior as shopkeeper and Subpostmaster. The location was listed as Nos.169 and 170. In addition to the basic range of Post Office services Money Order and Savings Bank Business could also be conducted. Postal Orders would also have been issued and cashed.  By 1892 in common with other Savings Bank Offices Annuity and Insurance business could also be conducted. In that period Money Orders were paid 9.00am to 6.00pm Monday to Friday and until 7.00pm on Saturday. The Post Office would have opened 8.00am to 8.00pm daily (but probably not including Sunday). William continued until about 1922.  The Directory for that year shows him as Subpostmaster but the trade list shows his wife Mrs. Eliza A Melbourne as running the grocers and Post Office.

By 1926 William is not mentioned and Eliza is in control. (D) Locals remember “Grandpa Melbourne” being nicknamed brushy Melbourne after brushing the front pavement. Eliza who took over after he died wore blouses with stiff whalebone collars. (C) From In 1930 the office was renamed Trinity (P) after the local church.  This would have been done to avoid confusion with the main Louth Post Office, which was moved to the north end of Eastgate about this time. By 1933 the number of the property was 181 but I don’t think the location changed as the office had an unusual Victorian Ludlow wall box (still in use in 2006, though enamelling has been damaged. Houses may have been renumbered (R)  The 1937 Directory still lists Eliza as Subpostmistess but by then the proprietress of the grocery and Post Office was Mrs Mabel Wilks. (D) Mrs. Wilks was Eliza’s daughter and may have been Subpostmistess in name if not in deed after she died. Eliza took on the illegitimate daughter of one of her sisters and Miss Nora Melbourne was trained in the post office tradition by granny from an early age, eventually taking over the running of the P.O. when granny died. When her aunt Mrs.Wilks died Miss Melbourne carried on until she too decided to retire. Her next-door neighbour Mr. Conyers then took over the post office from her though she continued to help until she finally retired and Mrs. Conyers helped in the shop. Mr. Conyers, a joiner altered the layout of the shop, provided a screen and counter in the present position and replaced the brick with a marble floor. (C)

Mrs. Dorothy Thompson was appointed Subpostmistess in 1986.  Two positions were made possible in the cramped space and an additional datestamp was ordered. By this time a general stores was operated but mostly sweets and soft drinks. Lot of business cash deposits and much coin provided for Louth businesses. Mr. Thompson had been in the army and she in the police. Mrs. Thompson had difficulty in trying to sell the office. Five applicants rejected by Area Manager Grimsby, including one with own home, a track record of running a successful business and prepared to pay the introductory fee and do alterations stipulated by POCL. Each applicant had to spend £100 preparing a cash flow forecast for the shop. Then POCL announced that it wanted to close the office so Mrs. Thompson forced to announce closure of the biggest TSO in Louth and the one closest to the main B.O. (T) After a campaign of local protests the office closed on 10^th August, 1991

INFORMATION  from Mrs. Conyers (C), Directories/own information/information from P.O. records by Ken Smith (D) Post Office Circular 3/9/1930 (P) Andrew Reynolds (R) and Mrs. Thompson (T)

LOW BURNHAM

LOW FIELDS

Shop opened on present site at 4 Valley Road in October 1961. Mrs. Betty Hall ran the shop and applied several times to open a post office at the site. When the Post Office eventually agreed to open an outlet in the area 8 people applied but Mrs. Hall was successful partially she thinks because she had had previous experience of working in a post office in Nottingham. The post office opened in August, 1968. The area is named after Waddington Low Fields and is outside city border. The shop operates as a grocery and provisions business and the two position counter is in its original site at the N. W. corner. P.O. closes Wednesday P.M. Could have had National Lottery but after attending demonstration sessions decided against it. Mrs. Hall is cousin to Ivan Hall. Mrs. Hall thinks P.O. would like to relocate office on her resignation.

LUDBOROUGH

POPULATION 1921 249

Sited in 1926 in house to west of Blacksmiths across the road from the Livesey Arms. Clarke owner in 1926.

1933 Kelly’s lists a Post, T. & T.E.D. Office letters From North Thoresby H. Clarke Grocer

closed by -.4.1987, Post office sited in Chapel Lane. Mrs. Lawson Subpostmistess followed by Mrs.Wrisdale.

INFORMATION  Directories/own information/information from P.O. records by Ken Smith (D)

LUDDINGTON

POPULATION 1921 451

1849 Post Office Directory P.O. W. Burton receiver and shopkeeper. Letters from Goole in 2.00pm out 9.00am.

1933 Kelly’s lists a Post, M.O., T. & T.E.D. Office. Letters From Scunthorpe. Miss E. Salvidge Shopkeeper

LUDFORD/LUDFORD PARVA

POPULATION 1921 443

1849 Post Office Directory P.O. T. Newcomen receiver, shopkeeper and butcher. Letters by messenger from Market Rasen in 11.30am out 2.00pm.

On final site by 1901 run by Martinsons and Later Lee's.

1933 Kelly’s lists a Post, M.O., T. & T.E.D. Office Letters From Lincoln. J. Lee & Sons Grocers. Office moved further east  (during 2WW?) to "The Old Post Office" - had petrol pumps outside. Moved back to present site c1970/1971 a general stores. Latterly a community office, Closed by 2001.

LUTTON

POPULATION 1841 849, 1881 770, 1901 615, 1911 657, 1921 749

Lutton is situated a few miles to the north of Long Sutton and was also known as Sutton St. Nicholas in the 19^th century.

According to official records a Post Office did not open here until 1883. This is late for a village of this population but possibly due to the fact that Long Sutton was reasonably close. The 1885 Kelly's Directory lists Robert Cunnington as receiver with the Post Office offering the basic range of services. Mail was received from and dispatched to Wisbech. Cunnington was in businesses prior to the incorporation of the Post Office here, being listed in White's 1882 Directory as a grocer, baker and butcher. Whites continues to list the business as such but Kelly's listed it as a grocer and draper.

1881 saw 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/-. 1896 was probably the year that Postal orders were first issued here as a rubber datestamp was supplied in that year. However, the 1896 Directory makes no mention of Postal Orders and the 1900 Directory is the first to refer to postal orders being issued but not paid. Between 1892 and 1896 Robert was replaced as Subpostmaster by Mrs Eliza Cunnington. She was probably Robert's wife but may just possibly have been his daughter in law. In common with most offices by 1905 Postal Orders could be issued and paid here. By 1913 the business was just listed as a grocers.

Between 1919 and 1922 Samuel Mark Goodale was appointed as Subpostmaster. In common with many rural offices a Telephone Call Office facility was provided by 1933. The 1937 Kelly's Directory lists that by then Samuel's sons were also involved in the business. The telephone number was Long Sutton 2283. From October, 1937 the mail arrangements were altered and mail was dispatched to received from Holbeach. This was further altered in August, 1942 when Spalding became responsible.(D)

From the late 1950s descendants of Samuel, the Feethams, ran the Post Office. Two generations of this family were involved until circa 1992. The Post Office was sited in a shop in Lowgate which was probably the original site. (S) In 1992 the Subpostmistess was Mrs S.C.A. Brown opening on a community office basis. (D) By 2003 it was sited in the Jolly Crispin Arms, a public house located at 48 Marriots Gate. Hours of opening were 09.00-13.00 MON-FRI. A fortress counter was sited in part of one of the bar areas.  Kathleen Knapp was the Subpostmistess by 2004.  Dorothy Edwards and the Bunn’s preceded her. (K) Under rationalisation plans the office closed in 2009.

Information Directories/own information/information from P.O. records by Ken Smith (D) K. Knapp (K) David Secker (S) 

MABLETHORPE

POPULATION 1921 2,852

1933 Kelly’s lists a Post, M.O., T. & T.E.D. Office. Located at present site in Wellington Road.

Mr. Mackintosh the SPM at Mablethorpe send his daughter each day to help at N.S. c1948. Mr. Mackintosh died suddenly at Mablethorpe by 1949 and Mrs. M. found it difficult to deal with postmen. Mr. Barker was offered the office, the salary would have been about £2,000 p.a. Mrs. B. was keen but Mr. B. decided against. Mr. Pepper had Mablethorpe after Mr. Mackintosh. (MRS. Barker) Mr. Hubert Pepper was Editor of NFSP Journal (B. Ingham) RECEIPT 6/7/1979 A. J. Franklin

GOLF ROAD

Originally sited on the east side of the road the first building coming from the coast. Office was opened in the 1950’s.  Mrs. Devenport was first Subpostmistress but she didn’t have it for long. It then moved to an existing shop at the corner of Regent Road.

In December, 2007 the office was earmarked for closure as part of the 2,500-closure programme.

MALTBY-LE-MARSH

POPULATION 1842 - 209, 1849 - 229, 1851 - 293, 1861 - 332, 1871 - 334, 1881 - 302, 1891 - 251, 1901 - 234, 1911 - 230, 1921 - 178, 1931 - 177

By 1855 a foot messenger brought the mail from Alford at 8.30am, returning with mail at 6pm. By 1872 he arrived at 8.00am and returned at 5pm summer and 4pm winter. By 1876 a pillar box had been fitted (in a brick pillar on the opposite side of the road to the P.O.)(P) By 1882 a wall letterbox had been fitted near Crown Inn. By 1913 Mr. John Thomas Smedley (confirmed P), assisted by his wife, had been appointed SPM at his grocery business. Business may have been there since 1870(H) but Post Office records indicate that a rubber datestamp was supplied in 1912 which is probably the year the office was opened (S). Mail arrived at 7.30 and despatched at 5.25 except Sundays. By 1933 a telephone call facility had been provided and telegrams were despatched but not delivered from the office. Mr. Smedley had a horse and cart to deliver orders in village. A doctor also used to attend from Mablethorpe and dispense from one of the front room of the house. Miss Gladys Parrish assisted in shop and doing P.O. work from about 1926. Mr. Smedley developed rheumatics and sold business on to Mr. Lawrence who had been a drapery traveller and didn't know much about the P.O. and stores business. He was appointed about 1940 as there was rationing. Then when Mr. Lawrence decided to leave Mr. Richardson who also assisted in the business persuaded Miss Parrish to become the Subpostmistess and that they should run the business as a partnership. The office was controlled from Louth and she was interviewed for the job at the office itself and was appointed in 1955. It was still just a P.O. then doing allowances, TV, wireless and game licences and selling saving stamps. Facilities were just a wire mesh screen at the counter. The shop was well stocked and known locally as 'Aladdin’s Cave'. The mail still came from Alford and there were a lot of parcels left at the office at Christmas. Miss Parrish enjoyed the job, the thing she liked least was amending the rule book especially if the visiting officer found that they were not correct.(P) In 1969 Mr. Whiteley took over with his wife. He had been a policeman stayed about three years and shop deteriorated during their management (P) Judith and Alan Gray (P,H) ran business c1975-1982. He did some part-time plumbing, drove the school bus and was a councillor.(P) Mrs. Christine Hunt SPM since March 1982. Assisted by her husband until he died in 1986. She Suffers from arthritis and is assisted by her daughter Charis. Apart from a seasonal shop at the caravan site it is the one shop in the village acting as a general stores and also sells and delivers newspapers. Newspapers are also taken to nearby Strubby aerodrome to be helicoptered out to the oil/gas rigs. Has a good seasonal business being on the road between Alford and Mablethorpe. F/T office C/A? P.O. counter moved from being along the back wall in front of the side door from the rear of the shop to the N.E. corner. This means you can go into the shop without having to go through the P.O. Mail from Mablethorpe(confirm?) In December, 2007 the office was earmarked for closure with an outreach replacement service as part of the 2,500-closure programme. An outreach service was introduced serviced by North Somercotes.

INFORMATION  Miss Parrish(P) Charis Hunt(H) Ken Smith (S)

MANBY

Post Office opened in 1942. Mr Lamb has his business in what was the guardroom for the RAF base. The post office as such was mostly for internal purposes for the RAF base and was situated the opposite side of the entrance to the base which is, I believe, now the rest room for East Lindsey council office staff.(M). These buildings are at the entrance to the camp and opposite to the current site. The office moved c late 1950's into present site.(S) Another source feels the date of the move was in the 1960’s, c1965 (M)  Mr. Smith was the first postmaster, then Mr. Wold for less than 4 years then Mr. Wallas for c4 years.(S) Alternatively another source has no knowledge of Smith and feels that Wallace was the first “post officer” followed by Woulds.(M)  Mr. Marchants then took over (S,M) in 1972. (S) As now  a P.O. with confectionery videos gifts etc. Still conducted mail work with one postwoman doing Manby (not camp) and part of Grimoldby. Used to do more mail work and round had an autobike to do current round plus Grimoldby. Mr. Marchants retired (end 1990?)  and mail work was then taken over by Louth, with mail lady worked from home until she retired. Stan Edwards was then appointed and is the current SPM. (S) By 2002 counter had been moved from NW corner to SW corner of premises. On line lottery installed by January, 2003.

Information   T Macdougall (M) S. Edwards (S)   Mr. M. **per Mrs. Cooper Cawthorpe - contact Muriel Swift G. Swift 35 Wood Lane Louth they had Manby P.O.

MANTHORPE

PO appointment records list that Miss Scoffin was appointed on 11^th May, 1853.

POPULATION 1921 166

1933 Kelly’s lists a Post & Tel Call Office. Letters From Grantham. E. Daft Cowkeeper. (D)

Office closed c1995

Information  Mrs. Poucher Foston

MANTON WARREN

MAREHAM-LE-FEN

POPULATION 1921 663

Early in the century post office was sited at the now closed Dawsons shop on the north side of the road East of Horncastle Road and just west of the windmill. Edgar Chapman was the Subpostmaster then and the Grocers and Drapers was known as Chapmans. Mr. Effield was a postman and telegram boy there for many years. Ernest Henry Daubney married Agnes Hodson. Her father was a farming landowner in Tunby and used the Methodist chapel in Mareham. He was unhappy that across the road from the chapel on the S.W. corner of Main Road and Chapel Lane stood "The Brass Knocker" public house which attracted people on bicycles outside who would jeer at the congregation.(RD) Mr. Hodson was in a position to buy the premises for his daughters wedding. The idea being that his daughter would be set up in business and his future son in law would be able to do joinery at the rear of the premises. On the last day the pub was open the brass knocker was removed to another pub in the village - Hodson could buy the pub but he couldn't buy the knocker. Ernest married Agnes in 1925 when Ernest was 33. He married late because his father was an alcoholic and had debts which Ernest cleared.(DS) Why the post office moved here is not clear, possibly Mr. Chapman wanted to retire and Mr. Hodson made him an offer he couldn't refuse? Their son Alf Daubney Agnes became Subpostmistess.

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

The Daubneys had the Post Office for 72 years (RD-gave the impression that this was continuous but may be including the overlap between mother and son.) Mr. Alf Daubney, Agnes's son became Subpostmaster c1946. Including the war years and service as a postman he completed over 50 years in Post Office service. Telegrams and mail work was conducted Alf, and Jack & Jim Roberts were the regular postmen with and additional two employed at Christmas. The area included the east side of the Conningsby-Boston Road to Moorside. When Revesby closed that round was also amalgamated with Mareham.(RD) Alf was Subpostmaster until 1986-1988?(RD). Mr. John Borrows was successful in being appointed as Subpostmaster, they’re being five other candidates. The Post Office moved to the existing Grocer and Off Licence at the south-west corner of Fen Lane and Main Road. He was appointed on 1st April, 1983 or 1984. John's father and mother ran the business and John set up the P.O. as his own sideline by putting it what was the former front room on the N.W. corner of the property. Open 9.00-17.30 not Wednesday and Saturday PM. After John's parents died he then had to come out of the P.O. himself to devote time to running the shop and he employed an assistant in the post office. Then his wife left with a rep and he has become even more involved with the shop. John has since remarried but to a farming wife who looks after sheep.(JB) Office is situated in the East Anglia area, had a regular datapost customer until 1997 so Parcelforce withdrew facility. Limited doctors surgery in village so has a repeat prescription delivery service. Anglian Water, East Midlands electricity, no gas meters or MVL. Capture office. Two date stamps one 4/30 and the other made in 1983/1984 when it was resited and two positions were contemplated.

INFORMATION  Rose Daubney (RD), RD's son (DS, John Borrows (JB)

MARKBY

POPULATION 1841 - 102, 1851 - 115, 1861 - 111, 1871 - 127, 1881 - 118, 1891 - 199, 1901 - 87, 1911 - 88, 1921 - 58, 1931 - 61

According to Post Office records the office probably opened in 1875. The 1882 White's Directory lists a Post Office offering basis services with George Barnes as Subpostmaster and shopkeeper. George had though been a shopkeer here by 1876. Mail was delivered from and dispatched to Alford. 1881 saw 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/-. 1899 was probably the year that Postal orders were first issued here as a rubber datestamp was supplied in that year and the 1900 Directory refers to postal orders being issued but not paid. Between 1900 and 1905 Mrs Harriet H. Eastlake was appointed as Subpostmistress replacing Mr. Barnes. In common with other offices Postal Orders could be issued and paid by this date. I am not sure if the location of the Post Office changed at this time. Between 1905 and 1909 she was replaced by William Eastlake who was probably her son. He was listed as a shopkeeper. By 1922 a telephone (TN Alford 91) had been fitted. Although no official records indicate that a telegraph was fitted the directories indicate that a telegraph and Telegraph Express Delivery service was offered but only to places in the Alford area. Perhaps just the telephone was used. The final 1937 Directory still lists William as Subpostmaster. This corresponds with local knowledge. (D)

Markby is not thought to have been a mailwork office. It was sited in "The Old Post Office" in Beesby Road. It was run by Mr. Eastgate in the front room with sweets and cigarettes. He was there during war to early the 1960's.(M) He was very old when he died in post. The Post office was in front room with a counter, entry via front door porch and turn left. (C) Then Mr. Smith succeeded him for 15 years in Spalding House on North side of road E. of Village. (W) Old man in wheelchair was SPM c1960/1970's. (Eastgate or Smith?) (C) W. R. Smith was there in May, 1977. (N) The last Subpostmistress was Mrs. Windsor, daughter of Mr. Smith. She took over c1980 in the Priory House on S. side of road to West of Spalding House and to E of church. The office was located in the rear room of a modern bungalow. (W) In December, 2007 the office was earmarked for closure as part of the 2,500-closure programme.  (D)

Information   Mrs. Morton (M) Mrs. Cargill (C)  Directories/own information/information from P.O. records by Ken Smith (D) NFSP RECEIPT 11/5/1977 (N)

MARKET DEEPING

POPULATION 1921 888

1849 Post Office Directory P.O. J. Wherry Postmaster, grocer, ironmonger, bookseller, stationer and sub-distributor of stamps (probably inland revenue/receipt stamps rather than postage stamps) Market Place. Letters from Peterborough in 3.30am, delivered 7.00am, out 10.00pm box closes 9.30pm,

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

Office located in High Street near the bridge. Mrs. Dorothy Harriss Subpostmistress of the United News owned subpostoffice by May, 1999 (POCL).

By 2007 office located on western side of Church Street, building well back from road.  Three purpose built positions with also a horizon terminal located on front retail counter.  Lottery on demand currency and DVLA office.

Information Peterborough Evening Telegraph (E)

MARKET RAISIN/MARKET RASEN

POPULATION 1921 2,048

1849 Post Office Directory P.O. and M.O.O. J. L. Thornton postmaster “White Hart Hotel” commercial and posting house, wine and spirit merchant. King Street. Letters by mail cart from Wragby in 8.20am out 5.00pm, box closes at 4.00pm.  Money Orders paid and granted.

(OB512 MARKET RAISIN, MARKET RASEN 1885)

1933 Kelly’s lists a Post, M.O., T. & T.E.D. Office. Located at 7 Queen St.

Branch Office there until Monday 10.7.1989 when regraded as a modified sub office and moved to 5 Queen Street. Located in Martins Newsagent.  Then moved to purpose built four position office opposite COOP store and run by COOP.  Opening hours 09.00-17.30 MON-FRI, SAT 09.00-15.30.  Saturday altered to 13.00 by 2007.  From 29/5/90 Letter Delivery Office located at Gallamore Lane Industrial Estate Market Rasen Lincs LN8 3HA. Local letters for Market Rasen, Caistor, Binbrook, Wragby, North and South Kelsey and Normanby by Spital. Took over SPSO mail work from Caistor, Binbrook?, Wragby?, N. Kelsey and Normanby By Spital. Old sign at former crown office refers to rural deliveries to Binbrook, Faldingworth, Legsby, Ludford, Middle Rasen, North Willingham, Tealby, Walesby and West Rasen.

MARKET STAINTON

1849 Post Office Directory P.O. J. Babbington receiver and shoemaker. Letters by messenger from Wragby in 11.00am out 2.00pm.

Mr. Hewis had as a shop with 2 horses and carts delivering groceries and bread. Mr. Dobson took over before 2WW. During war his wife ran it with his/her sister. Post Office moved here from Ranby c1939/1940. Mr. Dobson started milk round and continued to run P.O. until c1964. Then Mr. Gibson, a little man ran it between c1964-1968 when Mr. Williamson took over. He bought it for his son but the family didn't get on with each other too well and the business declined. After about 2 years the Shackletons took over and ran it to c1975.(JC). P.O. owned by Parkers estate until sold off, initially to John Crowders father in law. Mrs. Parker wouldn't have her letters posted in the box, the gardener use to have to wait for the postman and give the letters to him personally. (JC) Mr. Compton then SPM c1975-1981. SPM Mr. Douglas Gregory since AUG 1981. No S/B non C/A office to Louth. Minimum salary, only about 10 houses in village, about 5 pensions and 2 allowances. Mail brought from Wragby (now Market Rasen). Datestamp 8/44. Small shop, used to be a general stores but not much sold now, some children’s clothes, cleaning materials etc. Mr. Gregory also does milk round. House built of a timber frame set in boulders. P.O. was wood panelled. Air- force camp during war.

INFORMATION   from DG and John Crowder(JC)

MARSHCHAPEL

POPULATION 1921 508

THE EARLY YEARS

By 1849 there were approximately 175 Post Offices in Lincolnshire, many of which harked back to the mail coach days of the C18th. One of the many new post offices commencing in the 1840's was Marshchapel, which opened on 3rd August, 1847. The revolution which created much of this need was the introduction of the universal penny post which was introduced in January 1840 and that great Victorian revolution the Penny Black postage stamps introduced in May. Until then postage had been based on mileage and was very expensive. A letter sent from Grimsby to London in the 1790's would have cost about 10d. Imagine what the 10d.(5p) it cost to send would be worth today. The universal penny post brought posting a letter within the means of the middle classes but 1d. was still a considerable amount of money.

By 1849 W. Sargeant had been appointed receiver and was also a wheelwright, carpenter and shopkeeper. Mail arrived from Grimsby at 11.00 am and was dispatched at 1.00 pm. Incoming mail would probably have to be collected from the post office and outgoing mail would have stamps affixed and be date stamped with an undated circular date stamp which mentioned Grimsby. This original date stamp was replaced by a new one on 16th October, 1858.

By 1861 W. Sargeant was still listed, though probably the majority of his time would have been spent conducting his other activities of grocer and draper. His son W. Sargeant junior was a carpenter and wheelwright so "dad" and "son" may have also assisted one another. Dad may well have been receiver since the office opened.

THE EVISON YEARS

By 1868 Andrew Evison had been appointed Subpostmaster and also ran a grocery business. W. Sargeant Junior continued as a carpenter and wheelwright. It is not clear whether the post office relocated at this time but it may have done. The 1860's saw the introduction of Money Order work at the post office on 1st January, 1867 and the office also started to act for the new Post Office Savings Bank on 1st October, 1867. W. Sargeant might have decided that this was the time to retire! At some stage mail delivery work to each house would have started. Post Office work further increased when the Telegraph lines were erected to the village in 1870. These probably came from Ludborough Station like those to North Somercotes. The telegraph Code MGU was allocated. Mail was now dispatched at 2.30pm

By 1872 (probably September 1871) a revised mail cart service arrived from Grimsby at 10.30am. By 1876 the morning arrival time was altered to 8.40am and the afternoon collection to 4.30pm and these times continue about the same until almost the turn of the century. 1881 saw 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/-. As an existing money order office Marshchapel could both issue and cash them. 1883 was another milestone year for the Post Office as the parcels service was introduced throughout the country. New weighing scales had to be provided and now that letter carriers were no longer delivering just letters the term Postman was introduced. By 1889 the Post Office could conduct P.O.S.B. Annuity and Insurance business but not much is thought to have been carried out. By 1896 the Post Office could now use the Telegraph to dispatch and receive Money Orders, letters could be dispatched and received by Express Delivery.

1898 saw the mail arrangements revised again with the mail being delivered from North Thoresby arriving at 7.00am (6.30am 1905) and left at 6.15pm (7.05pm 1905). The Edwardian period saw an increase in the quantity of mail handled. People travelled more, it was the golden age of the picture postcard etc.. This period also sees Marshchapel Post Office with the status by June, 1902 of one of the few full sub-offices or as they were called by 1905 Railway Sub Offices. Sealed bags of mail would be sent to Marshchapel directly from all over the country and not via a head office. The address would have been just Marshchapel S.O. (or R.S.O.) Lincs.

By 1909 the Subpostmaster was Willows S. Evison who was Andrew's son. Mail now arrived at 5.35am (5.55am by 1913) and left at 7.05pm though some mail was brought in the evening and could be collected by callers to the post office. Mrs. Green from North Thoresby remembers taking over during WW1, aged 17, from her uncle to start driving the, by then, motorised van on the morning run. The office would have been open for twelve to fourteen hours, seven days a week; and about five hours on Good Friday and up to twelve hours on Christmas Day for no extra pay. By 1918 the new Old Age Pension would be paid at the office and National Insurance stamps were sold. The office was now definitely sited in Church Lane in the building which still has the post box in the wall. It is not clear though if the Post Office had always been at the site but it is likely it was there from at least 1868.

BURGESS AND THE TELEPHONE

By 1922 a telephone had been installed and a public telephone call could be made. The telephone exchange meant being on call 24 hours a day as lines were slowly extended to private houses. Marshchapel Hall for example had TN11 installed between 1922 and 1926. By 1926 Mrs. G. B. Burgess was appointed Subpostmistess and continued the grocery business. A carrier service to Louth on Wednesday and Friday was also introduced by 1930. About June 1926 the R.S.O. was abolished but the mail continued to arrive from North Thoresby and from November, 1937 the office came under the control of Grimsby. Mrs. Burgess was still in control at this time.

MODERN TIMES

Harry Sargeant was appointed in 1945. He saw the introduction of Child Benefit to the Post Office in c1946. In those days nothing was given for the first child and 5/- was given for the second child. Jim Smith then took over as the next Subpostmaster in 1948. During his time he saw many changes in the post office. Until the mid 1990's Insurance stamps were still sold to self employed people but until the mid 1950's they were also sold to employees. When they were abolished and the new P.A.Y.E. system was introduced the office lost a lot of business. The introduction of the (National) Girobank in the mid 1960's brought new business and the 'Green Giro' paid to customers at the Post Office has now entered the language. Telegrams on the other hand declined as more and more people had there own telephone, they were though able to pay their telephone bill at the office and also other bills such as the increasing number of Television Licences.

I have not been able yet to establish which mail rounds were operated, presumably more than one, but probably all rounds were by bicycle. If a lot of parcels had to be delivered the postman/woman had to return for a fresh load. Extra staff were probably employed at Christmas. However, with the opening of the Mechanised letter office at Doncaster in 1976 was probably the year when all the mail work was lost at Marshchapel and many other offices with the resultant heavy blow to the Postmaster's income. Letters are now coded from the post code and then the machine date stamps and sorts them. Mechanisation has improved the productivity of the Post Office but it does seem a pity that local letters can't be segregated for delivery from Grimsby rather than having to go all the way to Doncaster and back.

Mr. McCarthy took over as Subpostmaster in 1987. Unfortunately he died a year later and Margaret his wife had to take on the appointment instead of continuing with her nursing career as she had hoped. Although assisted by her sons Nicholas and Peter she decided to concentrate on the general store, off-license and video service aspect of the business. As a result the post office moved to the long established Sowby's Stores in Littlefield Lane. Mr. Ray Randerson who had already run Sowby's Stores for five years became Subpostmaster in 1990. Lee James Thorne followed being appointed Subpostmaster on 27th June, 1995. He came from Lee On Solent and had served in the Navy.

Shelley Flynn then took over as Subpostmistess and was appointed on 8th January, 1998. Her partner Mike exported fishing bait. The office closed at 13.00 on Wednesday. Mail is collected at 10.30 and 16.00. Since they took over the facilities have been further improved with the counter moved at the rear of the shop but facing the front door rather than facing the rear wall as previously, a SPAR franchise has also been introduced. Later the Spar Franchise was altered to Londis and Mike has now returned to army life.  The National Lottery and MVL work were added to the range of services offered in March, 2004. With the children growing up and Mike being posted to a different part of the country on a more permanent basis the decision was made to move.

Brenda Joynson was appointed as Subpostmistess on 31^st May, 2007.  On transfer the opening hours were extended to 17.30 on Wednesday afternoon and the office no longer closes at lunchtime between 13.00 and 14.00.

References:- P.O. Archives, Kelly, White's and Post Office Directories of Lincolnshire. British Postmark Society. Louth and North Lincolnshire Advertiser. Censuses for 1851-1881. Thanks to the following who are amongst those who contributed Information   Mrs. Flynn, Mrs. Green, North Thoresby; Mrs. Molly Hall, North Thoresby; Mrs. McCarthy, Mr. Jim Smith.

MARSTON

POPULATION 1921 473 (Incl. Hougham)

1849 Post Office Directory P.O. R. Atter receiver. Letters from Grantham in 10.00am out 4.00pm. 

1933 Kelly’s lists a Post Office. H. Robinson & Son Joiners

Early site was in the west side of Barston Road in a white building.  Customers served through window. Moved to present site by 1950.(M)  Haywoods or her aunt had P.O. Susan Miles SPM c1987-1991 Mr. (Terence) Terry Sheehan SPM from 11/8/1991. & to 7/94 C/A girobank office, general stores but not newspapers.(TS) Office closed  August/September, 2001 (G) Mr. Sheehan last Subpostmaster(M)

 Information   (TS) T. Sheehan, (G) T. Gardner, (M) Houghton and Marston Historical Group.

MARTIN

POPULATION 1921 667

1933 Kelly’s lists a Post, M.O., T. & T.E.D. Office. Letters From Lincoln. Mrs. E. Oakes Shopkeeper.

Years ago post office was in house across road from present site before moving to a location on the North side of the road, near the Public House. By c1955 the Post Office was at it's present site at 27 High Street, which was originally a saddlers shop. Mr. Richard Miller was Subpostmaster until 1979. Dick Barry and then Mr. Matthews ran it before Mr. William (Bill) Barr was appointed c1984(AF) In 1986 the auditors found a shortage of £6,000 and he was suspended. By arrangement with the P.O. Susan Faulkener ran the office for seven months until sold.(RF) Mr. Nicola Antionio Falconio (Tony) was the man appointed on 18/6/1987, coincidentally Rita's birthday. He originally came from Italy but had been running a shop in Bristol before he and his wife Rita moved. The Post Office was unable to tell him about the previous SPM and Tony was not happy to find out after he had paid goodwill for the business. One position P.O. situated in the village sole general stores, East Midlands electricity, no gas. Lunchtime 1pm-2pm. Mail is delivered from Timberland. Newspapers are sold and delivered and a prescription issuing service is operated. In 1986 Tony suffered a heart attack and the shop now closes p.m. Thursday and he is trying to take life a bit more slowly.(AF) Tony closed the office late on 28^th November,2003. (KS) The office then reopened on 6^th October, (4^th KS) at a new site on the South side of the road at 80-90 High Street.  This had been a shop until 40 years previously but has now been refitted.  The shop is called Smalley’s after the previous shop and the MOT garage, which operates at the rear of the site.  Amanda Eastwood was appointed Subpostmistess.  The retail side is a 1,500 line general stores with newspapers and an off licence.  Speciality foods and delicatessen meats and cheeses etc are also sold.  The one position counter is in the S.W. corner of the shop.  The Post Office hours of opening are 09.00-11.00 Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri and Sat and 09.00-13.00 Thur.

The earlier datestamp was issued 4/33.  A new  Martin Post Office metal stamp was issued but not used as a self inking datestamp was purchased for use.

INFORMATION   R. Faulkener(RF) A. Falconio(AF)

MARTIN DALES

(Kirkstead, under Lincoln 1914 renamed Martin Dales, in General Stores in Mill Lane since c1900. from Mr. U. Kirkby- Mr. Richson in Mill Lane but at different site before 2ww, was called Kirkstead. Moved to Mr. Brooks Grocery across the river and called Martindales. Then moved back to last site in Mill Lane.

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

Office temporarily closed 10.8.89, Community office at end opening Mon, Tue, Thur, Sat AM, Wed and Fri PM -further information contact Mr. Radford Woodhall Museum. By 1997 located at 173 Witham Road, Subpostmistess Sally Fletcher by 2002. Post office was originally in a building in a farm yard, but area redeveloped with housing and at the same time a purpose built square brick Post Office was provided. It has a waiting area, brick fronted counter and the secure area has a room with a toilet and wash basin.  Still operates on restricted hours and opens on Thursdays from 09.00 to 13.00, Wednesday pm and Friday morning for two hours as well as other days.

MARTON

POPULATION 1921 390

1849 Post Office Directory P.O. M. Robinson Postmaster and schoolmaster. Letters from Gainsborough in 12.00am out 2.00pm.

1933 Kelly’s lists a Post, T. & T.E.D. Office Owner not listed

Mr. Lucas had a shop and Post Office in High street. (R) Office then moved to 34 High Street with Mrs P. A. Simmons appointed Subpostmistess.  She ran the office for quite a few years until it closed on 29^th October, 1996.  Office reopened on 30^th January, 1997 (D) in a converted garage at 7 Littlebrough Lane. Christine Taylor was appointed Subpostmistess.  Office closed about 2003. (R)

Information Directories/own information/information from P.O. records by Ken Smith (D) Local Resident (R)

MAVIS ENDERBY

POPULATION 1921 100

Post Office was sited in east end of row of three cottages on the east side of the road south of the church. The site of the post office was formerly a bakery run by Mr. Towler. In 1913 Abraham Charles Kelly had the post office. He was a wheelwright and also had cows on a different site to provide the village milk supply. It was just a porch over the front window, which would be opened to serve. If customers wanted to use the telephone it would be handed out. Mail came from Spilsby, in the 1920's Mr. Boyall was the postman, he used to wear a shako style hat. A wall letterbox was in situ. Emily Chantry was Subpostmistess by 1925 and until she retired.(S)

1933 Kelly’s lists a Post & Tel Call Office.  A. Chantry Wheelwright  

Information   Arthur Spring (S)

MELTON ROSS

POPULATION 1921 301

1849 Post Office Directory P.O. Receiver W. Binton, letters from Brigg in 1pm out 2.30pm

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

closed circa 1986, situated in a in Salutation Lane (Shop Lane) an unadopted road running parallel with and to the south of the railway line. House built in 1900 but post office may not have been sited there until after the 2WW. Was situated in a stores which also sold chicken/animal feeds. Four years before closure moved two doors to west. Then situated in a separate outbuilding. Had a shop at first but just a post office at the end. Non cash office controlled by Louth with mail delivered from Barnetby.

MESSINGHAM

POPULATION 1921 1,175

1933 Kelly’s lists a Post, M.O., T. & T.E.D. Office. Letters FromScunthorpe. Miss E. Bristow Grocer

SPM Mrs. Hare (B) She was followed by Mr. Toni Bullen who Subpostmaster from August 1967 to 1995.  Four mail rounds were conducted and then a van was introduced and after some time  the rounds were reduced to three with the van bringing the mail and then following one of the former rounds.  The subsequent owner sold it in 2002 to the COOP.(U)

INFORMATION   (B) Mrs. W. Bottesford, (U) T. Bullen

METHERINGHAM

POPULATION 1921 1,447

1849 Post Office Directory P.O. P. Grantham “Star and Garter”. Letters from Sleaford in ? out ?

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

An image can be found at http://www.macla.co.uk/meth/memory.htm

Mailwork office, mail from Lincoln at 06.25. Subpostmaster in 1992 was Mr. Mike Scattergood who was formerly at Hemswell.

MIDDLE RASEN

POPULATION 1921 761

1849 Post Office Directory P.O. J. Ingham receiver. Letters by messenger from Market Rasen in 10.00am out 3.00pm.

An early site was in a thatched house opposite to the present site. Mrs. Abbott ran a shop on present site from 1921 to c1933 but not a P.O. as well. Mr. and Mrs. Dawson then took over and ran between c1933-1936.(A)

1933 Kelly’s lists a Post & Tel Call Office. Owner not listed. (D)

 Mr. Dawson probably took over the P.O. A man then ran it for his brother in law between c1936-1939. Then Mr. & Mrs. Atkin ran it ran it c1940-1945. Mr. Harold Atton became SPM with his wife Enid when he was demobbed from the navy c1945. They were told it was a poor area but they never regretted coming to the village. They had a new baby. At that time there were about 15 thatched houses in the village (one only in 1992). Mail was sorted and delivered by two rounds. Mr. Briggs was a temporary postman there for 15 years and a lady did the other round. Market Rasen made afternoon deliveries. The mailwork stopped before Mr. Atton resigned. They altered the house put- ting new windows and floors in they also replaced the passage way to the back kitchen made of old enamel signs. Mrs A. remembered the office had savings certificates but not Savings Bank. The counter was sited on the east wall, there was no grille. When the opportunity arose they purchased the adjoining property, which had been a stable. They then extended the shop east wards and moved the counter to the new east wall. Some people from abroad came in once and bought some tins of soup. Mr. Atton thought they were then gesturing to have them opened which he did only to find out they wanted to buy a tin opener. One morning they found that someone had thrown a brick through the window. The man who had done it was drunk and couldn't remember doing it.(A) Mr. Ken Miller then became SPM in July, 1986 with his wife Midge. He took on newspapers and was required to provide a counter screen. Ken became an insurance agent but this let to a conflict of interests with the Post Office so he resigned on 28/3/1990 and Midge took over as SPM the following day (AMO) Andrew Blagojevitch became SPM with his wife Erica in MARCH 1991. Had to agree to repaint and put up new fascia board. F/T C/A office situated in general stores and newspapers. Find the newspapers more of a problem than the P.O. Now sells YEB tokens.(B)

INFORMATION MRS. ATTON (A) Andrew Blagojevitch (B) Datestamp E 8/34

MILL LANE see Martindales

MINTING

POPULATION 1921 205

1849 Post Office Directory P.O. Mrs. S. Milligan receiver and shopkeeper. Letters by messenger from Horncastle in 12.00am out 1.45pm.

1933 Kelly’s lists a Post, T. & T.E.D. Office. Letters From Horncastle. G. Andrew Blacksmith

Community office TUE, THUR, FRI AM, separate P.O. attached to house on this site since 183?, was also a blacksmith until 1951,

MOORTOWN

1933 Kelly’s lists a Moortown/North End Post & Tel Call Office. Letters From Lincoln. Owner not listed

MORTON

POPULATION 1921 790

1849 Post Office Directory P.O. W. Mowson Postmaster, saddler and harnessmaker. Letters from Bourn in 7.00am out 5.00pm.

1933 Kelly’s lists a Post, M.O., T. & T.E.D. Office. Letters From Bourne E. Hankin Grocer & Post Office, Draper & Outfitter, Stationery, Drugs, Hardware, Boots & Shoes.

Early site in White Cottage on Green. Sited at 13 Dyke, left hand side? Hankins family ran P.O. P.O. moved to general stores when Mrs. Hankins? husband died. Sited for a few years in general stores in the High St. at the corner of St. Johns Close. Then Post office was moved to a wooden hut at current location before purpose built shop constructed. At this location for 45 years? Clothes shop only originally? Mrs. Parker SPM c1965- 1988. Mailwork office to 1988. Mrs Needham SPM since 1988. Two mail rounds including Hacconby. New Subpostmaster in 2001. For sale, featured on TV programme 2005.

 RECEIPT 31/12/1978 S.? E. Jackson

MORTON

POPULATION 1921 995

1933 Kelly’s lists a Post, M.O., T. & T.E.D. Office. Letters From Gainsborough. W. Parnham Shopkeeper

(Gainsborough) small one position office, tucked away in a side street, see TSO entry.

MOULTON

POPULATION 1831 1850, 1841 1638, 1851 1608, 1861, 2143*, 1871 ?, 1881 2248*, 1891 1418, 1901 1373, 1911 1539, 1921 1607, 1931 1603 *Including Moulton Chapel.

The office probably opened on 16^th November, 1843 when an undated circular datestamp was issued to the office.

By 1849 the P.O. Directory lists a. Post Office with Mr. Hardy Woolley looking after a shop and the Post Office.  He continues in post until at least 1872.  The 1861 and 1868 Directories make no mention of the shop but the 1868 Directory lists him as a Registrar of Birth and Deaths. The 1872 Directory also mentions the Registrar but also list him as a grocer druggist, Agent to Norwich Union Fire  & Life Co. and Sole Agent for the Newspaper Press Fund for the county. (D) He was also the Stamford correspondent for the Stamford Mecury. (S) The range of facilities offered was extended beyond the basic Post Office to include Money Order and Savings Bank business by January, 1873. (D) Hardy died in 1876 and the 1881 census lists his wife Mrs. Sarah Woolley as Subpostmistrtess. (L) I have yet to examine the 1876 Directory but the 1882 Directory lists her although other business is included. (D) By 1889 in common with other offices Savings Bank work was extended to include Annuity and Insurance Business. Sarah continued to at least 1892. By 1900 Alfred George Pick had been appointed and the business was again listed as a grocer. (D) He was the son in law of Hardy and Sarah Woolley having married their daughter Mary Bamford Wooley. Pick is thought to have been a wealthy man and also had interests in farms and council work. (L) Also a Telegraph Office had been operating at the Railway Station since by 1889.  However on 18th September, 1900 a Telegraph Office (Code MLK) was installed at the office.

By 1905 the range of services had been extended to include telegraph Money Orders and Express Delivery Services. The 1909 Kelly’s Directory lists that a Telephone Call Office had been installed and calls could be made to places within a limited distance. Pick continued until at least 1919 but by 1922 Frederick A. Hendy had been appointed. As his ancillary trade was that of a blacksmith the location probably changed. A Telephonic Express Delivery service was also available by this date.   Hendy didn’t have the office for long though as by 1926 James Crampton had been appointed and was also listed as a Grocer so the location probably moved again. (D)

A 2004 article in Lincolnshire life states “In 1914 Mr. James Crompton purchased shop and a P.O. and Tel. Exchange were added. In 1924 two cottages were demolished and the store was extended.” (LL) This differs from the directories but Cr*mpton may have bought or opened his shop in 1914 but the P.O. and Telephone Exchange moved there between 1922 and 1926. Crampton continued until at least 1937 when the Telephone number was listed as 273. I have no details of who ran the office after that until the 1990’s.

By 1992 Mr. A. J. Holbrook had been appointed and the office is sited at 15/17 High Street; by c2000 a modern convenience store. Counter located in S.W. corner of building. Self inking datestamp in use by 15^th February, 2002. (R) In 2004 a Londis franchise was accepted. (LL) Opening hours in 2007 09.00-17.30 MON-FRI 09.00-12.30 SAT

Information  Directories/own information/information from P.O. records by Ken Smith (D) , Andrew Reynolds (R),  Lincolnshire Life (LL) Janet Lancashire (L) Judy Stevens (S)

MOULTON CHAPEL

POPULATION 1841 400, 1851 450, 1861, ?, 1871 ?, 1881 ?, 1891 670, 1901 644, 1911 687, 1921  738, 1931 828

The 1855 Post Office Directory list a Post Office operated by William Foster who was also a grocer and draper.  However, Post Office records do not list a Post Office here until 1860 with mail being delivered from and dispatched to Spalding. To further complicate things the Directories of 1861, 1868 and 1876 make no mention of a Post Office. 

However, White’s Directory of 1872 lists a basic Post Office run by Mrs. Marianne Priestman who was also listed as a grocer and draper. By 1882 she had been replaced by John Thomas George, probably at the same location as he was also listed as a grocer and draper. In 1885 a rubber datestamp was supplied to the office probably for datestamping the new service of issuing Postal Orders as mentioned in the 1889 Directory. The 1892 Directory also list George as a farmer. On 5^th April, 1898 the range of services were increased as a telegraph was installed (Code MCP) and on 1^st May, 1900 further extended to include Money Order and Savings Bank business. The 1900 Directory also mentions Express Delivery. John George continues to be listed as owner until the 1926 Directory. The 1930 Directory though describes the business as J. T. George and Co., Grocers so probably one or more son’s were now involved in the business. By 1930 a telephone had been installed TN MC1 and a Telephonic Express Delivery Service was available.  The 1933 Kelly’s lists the business as J. George & Co. Grocers so this may indicate a change of owner to the next generation by this date.  The Georges’ continue until at least 1937 by which time the Telephone Number was 201 probably indicated that the exchange at Moulton Chapel had been absorbed into Moulton’s. I am not sure who ran the Post Office until the 1990’s

By 1992 the office was sited at 23 Roman Road (on south side of road to west of garage) in general stores.  Subpostmaster in 1992 was K. Bull. One position Counter located in S.W. corner of store. (D)

New Subpostmaster, 2002. Opening hours in 2007 09.00-12.30 13.30-17.30 MON-FRI, except 09.00-12.30 WED & SAT.

Information  (D) - Directories/own information/information from P.O. records by Ken Smith,                          

MOULTON SEAS END

In 1898 according to Post Office records a rubber datestamp was supplied in 1898 which is probably the year the office opened. Mail was delivered from and dispatched to Spalding. However, the office may have been opened up to tow years before that and the datestamp was supplied for datestamping the new service of issuing Postal Orders.  On 1^st December, 1899 the range of services was extended to include Money Order and Savings Bank Business and this would also have included Annuity and Insurance transactions.

The 1900 Directory is the first to refer to a Post Office and lists Thomas Woods as Subpostmaster and wheelwright. The 1896 Directory lists him as a wheelwright only and the 1905 Directory lists him as a Subpostmaster, Wheelwright and Market Gardener.  Woods continues to at least 1913 but by 1919 Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Cundy had been appointed and the office location probably changed as she was listed as a shopkeeper.  The directory mentions Money Order business but this is probably not correct as according to Post Office records the Money Order and Savings Bank facilities were discontinued from 1^st May, 1917 and subsequent directories refer to a basic Post Office business only.  1917 may have been the year Mrs. Cundy was appointed.

By 1922 John Coward had been appointed and he was also a Shopkeeper. By 1933 a Telephone Call Office facility had been installed and on 8^th January, 1934 a Telegraph was installed (Code OUN). The 1937 lists the telephone number as Moulton 241 and Coward was still in charge. The next information that I have is that the Subpostmaster by 1992 was Mrs. Audrey J. Burke with the office located in Main Road. (D) She ran the post office in a general stores. In October, 2002 the office was located in the village hall opening 09.00-12.30 MON-FRI. In 2006 a purpose built extension was added and the premises were run by a committee. Lynn Black was appointed Subpostmistress. (B) In 2008 the office was closed as part of the network review.(D)

 Information  Lynn Black (B), Directories/own information/information from P.O. records by Ken Smith, (D)

MUMBY

POPULATION 1841 331/316, 1842 401/218, 1851 416/416, 1861, 768, 1871 432/330, 1881 639/261, 1891 576, 1901 270, 1911 285, 1921 255, 1931 ???,

Village originally called Mumby with Chapel Mumby which is now the separate parish of Chapel St. Leonards. In 1855 mail was brought to the village by foot messenger arriving at 9am and leaving 5pm. By 1876 a pillar-box had been provided. Post Office opened in the village by 1881(R) and White's Directory of 1882 Lists John Parker Speed as a cottager and Subpostmaster and also a John Speed as miller and baker. Mail arrived from Alford at 7.30 and left at 4.25 winter and 5.25 summer. By 1885 a foot messenger ex Alford arrived at 8 and left at 5.30 week days only. By 1889 it was in at 7.30 and out at 4.45(5.45). By 1892 the times had altered to in 7.25 out 4.40(5.40). By 1896 mail was now being brought out by Mail Cart at 7.30 in and out at 4.45(5.45) weekdays only, also by this time Postal orders were issued but not paid. By 1905 times had again altered to in at 7.05 and out at 5.30(6.30) and postal orders could be both issued and paid.

By 1913 the summer and winter variations had been abandoned and mail left at 6.30pm all year. The business was now known as John Speed and Son and they were also listed as carriers this was also shown in the 1919 directory(D) Grandfather used pony and trap to deliver mail. He used to stamp on the floor of the cart and shout post and if no one came out he would leave it for the next day. In 1892 John's father appointed as a postman and given a uniform, though he had delivered mail prior to that. Father was then Subpostmaster from 1919 until he died in 1941.(JS) The 1922 directory just show the business as John Speed's.(D) He tried to set up a bank and a library but both were frowned upon by the Post Office and didn't last long. Mail came out from Alford in the morning and was delivered to Mumby, Hogsthorpe and Chapel St. Leonards. At first a motorcycle and sidecar used at first before a van provided. He then returned from Chapel as the outward route at 5pm. Another postman collected mail from Mumby at 11.00 and then cycled to Alford to return at 15.45 for people to fetch the mail up to 6pm. Father delivered the mail in the village and in Cumberworth this took from 7-9am. It was a foot round but he was allowed to cycle. An auxiliary also delivered mail to Langham, he was a disabled person - "the Post Office always did things on the cheap". John also showed a whistle which he thought had been issued by the post office that we used to let people know at certain addresses tat the Postman was there if they wanted to give him any letters. A phone kiosk was fitted outside the office in 1936. The line was a joint one with the phone in a separate room in the Post Office. When they wanted to use it they had to switch the line from the kiosk and if they forgot to reconnect it people would be knocking at the door to say that the phone was out of order. The 1937 directory list a Post and Telephone Call Office with Telegrams dispatched only.(D) His wife Betsy Louise continued until she had a stroke and died in 1948. The letterbox had been just a slit in the wall, but when they were given a half-day off a box was provided so the postman could gain access. When he was appointed in 1948 Mr. Brackenbury at Louth was told that unlike his father John wouldn't stand any nonsense.(JS) When he took over the credit stock was about £84 pounds compared with £67 in 1941. He had been a corn merchant and unlike his father John didn't think much of the Post Office or Post Office work. Not a savings bank office but used to sell National Savings stamps and savings certificates. After the telephone was fitted he seemed certain that the office never dealt with any telegrams. He deals with phone bills and TV licences. From 11th December, 1989(C) office was converted into a 15 hour community office open Monday to Friday mornings. John was unhappy that he has received no extra payment for handling East Lindsey Community Charge work. John feels that £3.00 per hour for the responsibilities he has is not enough. (JS) The post office was burgled on 30^th August, 1991 by then Jack was 82 years old.

INFORMATION John (Jack) Speed (JS) Directories (D) P.O. Records (R) Counterpoint(C)

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