Lincolnshire Post Offices

REYNOLDS COLLECTORS' WORLD

LINCOLNSHIRE POST OFFICES ALPHABETICAL ARCHIVE

QUADRING

POPULATION 1921 918

1849 Post Office Directory P.O. B. Harrison Jnr. “Black Bull”. Letters from Spalding in? out ?

1933 Kelly’s lists a Post & Tel Call Office. Letters From Spalding. W. Keyworth Grocer

Now located at 105 Main Road. Two position office opening 09.00-17.30 MON, TUE, THUR, FRI, 09.00-12.30 WED and SAT. General stores with newspapers.

Mr. & Mrs. Young owners since the summer of 2003.

RAITHBY

POPULATION 1921 128

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

Mr. Stubbs joiner and wheelwright was Subpostmaster in 1930 until after war. The office was situated in the big house opposite the telephone kiosk on the east side of the road opposite the footpath. (W) Mrs. Stubbs continued to run the office after her husband died. P.O. in porch at the side of the house. After bell had been pressed a window used to be opened to serve from the dining room. Mrs. Gwen Britton then ran P.O. in same house (called Red Gables) for a year or two in the early 1950’s (B). Then Mrs. Miller Subpostmistress in cottage on North side of Goose Lane. P.O. also situated in porch. House west end of semi-detached now called the old P.O. Closed 1975 (W).

Information: Malcolm Britton (B) resident west end cottage (W)

RANBY

POPULATION 1921 102

1933 Kelly’s lists a Post Office. Letters From Lincoln. Owner not listed

P.O. sited in former laundry building for Ranby Hall at back of school. P.O. only, run for many years by Mrs. Blakey. Not at this site before 1922. P.O. closed c1939/1940 and moved to Market Stainton.

REDBOURNE

POPULATION 1921 401

1849 Post Office Directory P.O. Mrs. Jane Fox receiver and shopkeeper. Letters from Lincoln in 8.30am out 5.00pm.

When the Post Office at Spittal closed office moved to village (B) (but as Spittal closed in 1850 and Redbourne was open in 1849 it was probably just the mail deliveries and the office was already open)

1933 Kelly’s lists a Post & Tel Call Office. Letters From Kirton Lindsey. Mrs. E. Walker Grocer

sited behind Tel. Box RECEIPT 25/5/1978 L. Leane?

Information (B) Dr. Bavin

REEPHAM

POPULATION 1921 332

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

REVESBY

POPULATION 1921 457

1849 Post Office Directory P.O. W. Ingoldby receiver, tailor and grocer. Letters from Boston in 7.00am out 7.15pm.

1933 Kelly’s lists a Post, M.O., T. & T.E.D. Office. Letters From Boston Mail To Claxby Puckacre, Miningsby, Moorby, Wilksby & Wood Enderby. Mrs. G. Johnson Grocer

Post Office was located on S. W. corner of the green, next to the former school. Applewhite family ran post office for 10-12 years. They also sold grocery, paraffin etc and they were followed by Palmers. (J) Conducted mail work which passed to Mareham when office closed.(D)

Information (D) Mrs D. Mareham, (J) Mr. Johnson

RIBY

POPULATION 1921 259

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

RIPPINGALE

POPULATION 1921 435

1849 Post Office Directory P.O. J. Harmston postmaster and wheelwright. Letters from Bourne in 10.00am out 4.00pm.

Office located at 5 Middle Street on the west side of the road. Thought to have been at this site since at least 1905.

1933 Kelly’s lists a Post, M.O., T. & T.E.D. Office. Letters From Bourne. S. Laxton Cycle Agent.

mailwork office

Steven and Barbara J. Henderson the appointed Subpostmistress ran the office for about 25 years from c1980. Early closing day was Wednesday. Michael and Clare Moles replaced them early in 2006. They refurbished the office in April, 2006. An open plan combi-till and counter were fitted at the north end of the office. Simon Deane was appointed in June, 2007. Opening hours in 2007 were 09.00-17.30 MON-FRI, 09.00-13.00 SAT.

In December, 2007 the office was earmarked for closure with an outreach replacement service as part of the 2,500-closure programme. When the closure consultation proposal was announced Simon had contacts in the media industry and was able to mount an extensive media campaign to attempt to persuade the Post Office to keep the office open. A petition was organised, and detailed submissions were sent to Postwatch and the National Post Office Consultation Team.

ROPSLEY

POPULATION 1921 593

1849 Post Office Directory P.O. G. Machin receiver, baker and shopkeeper. Letters from Grantham in 11.00am out 2.00pm.

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

By 2007 office located in Public House probably operated at a satellite office from Brook Street. Opening hours were 09.00-13.00 MON, 12.30-16.00 THUR, 09.00-13.00 FRI.

ROTHWELL

POPULATION 1921 198

1849 Post Office Directory P.O. W. Rawlinson receiver and blacksmith. “Blacksmiths Arms”. Letters from Caistor in 12.00am out 2.00pm.

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

In 1940/1950's sited in red detached house looking s. from PH. look for po box site. Run By Mrs Clark and her daughter Mrs. Blanchard. They moved it to present site (Mrs. Edith) Mrs. Clark and then he daughter in law Mrs. Blanchard had P.O. at 12 Beckside for many years. Then Mr. Joe Nickerson the local landowner bought it and put in a couple from Birmingham to manage it. This lasted for a year and it closed c1982. Then Wendy Kireia ran it in the passageway of her house at 18 Wold View. P.O. closed for 6 months. Previous attempts had been made to reopen the P.O. at Beckside but Joe Nickerson not keen while he was alive to see it there again as it was close to his house. Reopened 26?th September, 1990 on previous site at 12 Beckside. Opened as a community office with C/A, Subpostmaster Mr. Raymond Heath existing Subpostmaster at Holton-Le-Moor. Also meter tokens. Outside repainted and brick built counter provided partially funded by grant from Rural Development Commission. Now closed.

ROTHWELL RECEIPT 7/2/1983 M. Kerrigan S/Lincs Farms Ltd.

ROXBY

POPULATION 1921 548

1849 Post Office Directory P.O. J. Gunby receiver. Letters by messenger from Barton in 12.00am out 1.00pm.

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

Mail delivered from Scunthorpe. In 1936 Mrs Edith Hopkins was Subpostmistress and the Post Office was sited in a shop which sold tea and was licensed to sell cigarettes and tobacco. Prior to her being appointed the business has been run by Miss Hannah __ and her aunt Miss Crowston. Mrs. Hopkins was taken ill and had to pass post office on. c1953/1954 the post office was sited at 40 South Street, the property being owned by Elsham Hall. By 1959 Mrs E. Joan Barley had started a shop at 21 South Street and later took over Post Office. In 1959 the outside was in pebble dash. In earlier years the property had been thatched. A former pantry was converted and the wall knocked down to make retail area. Stamps, insurance stamps and Postal Orders were sold. A wall postbox was fitted. Sometime after 1962 Mrs. Gwen Drayton took over post office. She had a bungalow built on the next road to the north but still ran P.O. from shop at first. Later the garage of the bungalow was fitted with a glass panel, the drive widened, a post box fitted on the corner and the post office moved there. It opened between 09.00 and 17.00. The Office was open on 07/04/1970 but closed not long after that. Information Mrs. Barley

RUSKINGTON

POPULATION 1921 1,098

1849 Post Office Directory P.O. J. Brewin postmaster. Letters from Sleaford in ? out ?

1933 Kelly’s lists a Post, M.O., T. & T.E.D. Office. F. S. Mallender, Stationer & Post Office. Sited in Station Road.

Early site in Church St. corner Chapel St. (Edwardian times) J. W. Wilson with Grocers and Bakery, now a Chinese restaurant. Also sited in Station Road immediately east of Browns feedstuffs merchants building (with Turret) & opposite Chestnut Street - just a P.O. moved 1975-1979 to current site - large P. & MVL O., & pharmacy,

RYHALL

Although it is postally Lincolnshire it is physically located in Leicestershire.(AR) Catherine Hannah Rowland married William Valentine Fenn. They seemed to be living at the Post Office and Grocers at Rutland, Ryhall. They had two children and Williams mother was also living there. This is all based on the 1901 census. (R) The current site was built in 1693. Owners in 2004 are Trevor and Jacqueline (Jackie) Windle. A ghost has been seen inside the shop and Post Office. They sold the business in 2005. (AR)

Information Dave Rowland (R) Andrew Reynolds (AR)

SALEBY

POPULATION 1901 177, 1911 176, 1921 167, 1931 147

According to Post Office Records the office probably opened in 1907 when a rubber datestamp was supplied. The first Kelly’s Business Directory entry is for 1909. Jesse Allitt is listed and providing a basic Post Office service and also working as a blacksmith. Mrs Joel Allitt is listed as a shopkeeper. Mail was delivered from and dispatched to Alford. By 1913 Joel Allitt (Jesse’s son?) is listed a Subpostmaster and blacksmith and Mrs Allitt (mother or wife?) was listed as a shopkeeper. By 1933 a Telegraph and Telephone Call Office facility had been provided, (Telegrams Despatched But Not Delivered). Telephone No. Alford 58X By 1937Telegrams were no longer dispatched. In 1937 Joel was still in charge. (D)

A Mr. Allitt was still Subpostmaster in the 1970's but it may not have been Joel. He used to get into a bit of a tizwas with his accounts, particularly when the price of insurance stamps increased. The Post Office was sited in a house on a rise at the Alford end of village (possibly Hill Rise). (M) About 1987 the office moved to this at "Half Acre" and was then temporarily closed on Friday 14.7.89 and eventually permanently closed.

Mail times received despatched

By 1909 6.30 & 10.00am 11.55am & 6.40pm summer, 5.40pm winter not Sundays

By 1913 6.30 & 10.00am 12.10pm & 6.40pm weekdays only

Information from Directories/own Information/Information from P.O. records by Ken Smith (D). Mrs. Morton (M)

SALTFLEET (SKIDBROOK(E) WITH SALTFLEET HAVEN)

POPULATION 1871 417, 1881 415, 1891 384, 1901 349, 1911 325, 1921 319, 1931 319,

The Post Office is thought to have opened on 27^th November, 1846 when an undated circular datestamp was provided. Salters directory mentions Samual Parrish as being the butcher, shopkeeper and Post Office. Mail came from Louth. According to P.O. records the office closed in or after 1846. The 1849 Post Office Directory Also lists S. Parrish as receiver, grocer and registrar of marriages for the Louth District. Letters from Louth in at 4.00pm every Monday, Wednesday and Friday and sent out at 10.00am every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. To further complicate things White’s 1872 directory mentions the existence of a Post Office but gives no name and just gives details of mail deliveries so the reference to the Post Office may well be a mistake. P.O. records indicate that the office was re-established in 1897 and a rubber datestamp was provided in 1899 to issue postal orders. Kelly’s 1900 Directory lists the Subpostmaster as Joseph Adlard. He was also a shopkeeper and mail was delivered from Louth at 9.30 and despatched at 5.25. From 3^rd November, 1906 mail was delivered from North Somercotes, arriving at 7.45am and 1.05pm and despatched at 11.35 and 6.25pm. By 1913 mail arrived from North Somercotes at 8.15 and 1.05pm and was despatched to Louth via Saltfleetby Station at 11.35 and 6.45pm.By 1919 Jim Knott Bartholomew wad been appointed Subpostmaster and the office had probably changed location as he was listed as a carpenter and then just as a resident by 1922. Mail still arrived from North Somercotes but was despatched via Saltfleetby Station to Grimsby. By 1926 Edgar Allott was the Grocer and Post Office owner and a Telephonic Express Delivery service was offered. From 28^th June, 1926 mail was delivered from Louth and by 1930 the office offered a telephone service. By 1937 Chas Owen Trafford had been appointed as Subpostmaster and he was also a grocer. Also by 1937 the office could deal with money orders. Pat Stephenson the daughter of Mr. Trafford then had the P.O. Another relation Mr. Bob Trafford who was the son of Percy Trafford, the brother of Charles Owen Trafford, was later the Subpostmaster at Alvingham.. New datestamp introduced between 28th June 1956 and 28th March, 1957. Mrs Norma Marriot followed Mrs Stephenson in August, 1977. She moved the counter to the rear west wall in a former stock room. She retired on Wednesday 14th May, 1997. Her husband had died suddenly that year. Graham John Carter was then appointed. He resigned on 13th October, 1999 to take up a position as an animal keeper at Woburn Park. His intended replacements were unable to successfully complete the transfer of the office. I am not sure of the locations of the Post Office. The last location was in Pump Lane opposite the Crown P.H. Before that it was further west on the opposite side of the main road to the Crown. Before that it was in a cottage opposite to the last site now known as Westbury, The Hill, opposite to the Freshney Memorial.

Information - Directories/own Information/Information from P.O. records by Ken Smith.

SALTFLEETBY

POPULATION (all parishes) 1871 679, 1881 629, 1891 572, 1901 540, 1911 510, 1921 507, 1931 475,

Known locally as “Solloby” Saltfleetby comprises three parishes, St. Peter’s at the west end on the long main road and including the railway station, All Saints the area to the south east of the main road and St. Clement’s at the east end of the main road including the Prussian Queen. A Post Office was opened in 1890 in All Saints Parish. Mr. William Hainsworth was appointed Subpostmaster and also acted as a grocer, draper and corn and cake factor. He also had horses and traps for hire. Mail arrived from Louth at 8.30am and was despatched at 4.15pm by mail cart and 6.30pm by train. A rubber datestamp had been provided to frank postal orders issued. By 1900 the Post Office had moved to St. Peter’s Parish and William Paddison a local farmer had been appointed Subpostmaster. However, by 1905 Mr. Paddison was just listed as a farmer and a coal dealer and the Post Office had moved back to All Saints parish with Mr. William Harvey as Subpostmaster and shop keeper (it is not thought there were ever two post offices in the village at this period). The office had been upgraded by then to include Money Orders, Parcel Post, Express Delivery, Savings Bank and Annuity and Insurance business. By 1909 though Kelly’s Directory lists the Post Office as being run in All Saints Parish by Albert Dixon who was also a baker. By 1913 Miss Mary Ann Dixon (Albert’s daughter?) had taken over and the business was just listed as a shop. Marjorie Larder said that a Miss Dickins (Dixon?) had P.O. at White House near Prussian Queen. Mr. Haywood built the Post Office site near the station. He was Subpostmaster from 1921(ML). The 1922 Kelly’s Directory still lists Miss Dixon as Subpostmistress but the 1926 edition lists Frederick M. Haywood as Grocer and Subpostmaster with the office located in St. Peter’s parish. (Mrs. Larder didn't think there was two separate Saltfleetby Post Offices in the 1920's). However, to further confuse things the 1926, 1933 and 1937 directories also list a Post Office in All Saints parish but with no details. Mr. Freshney Larder was appointed by 1927 he ran the Post Office until sometime between 1977 and December, 1979 when his daughter Marjorie took over. He was also listed as a market gardener. By 1933 a telephone had been fitted and the office acted as a Telephone Call Office. Customers could make telephone calls and telegrams could be despatched but not accepted and delivered. However, on 1^st March, 1934 a full telegraph was fitted code (XAB). By 1937 Telephone Express delivery items could also be accepted. The office used to have two mail rounds. Mr. Larder used to do North End Lane, Skidbrooke and to South Somercotes while his wife ran P.O. and shop. Mrs. Larder (nee Meanwell) was the sister of Mrs. Trafford the Subpostmistress at Saltfleet. This round was later taken over by Louth and latterly Marjorie did one round on a moped until mail ceased c1977. Access to P.O. used to be a wooden door which opened until a screen was fitted.(ML) Marjorie decided to give up the Post Office as she became increasingly fed up with the level of paperwork and intervention from the Area Manager. The Post Office moved to Vickers Stores at the west end of the village. Subpostmaster by 2001 Mr. I. Knox who formerly lived in South Africa.

Information Directories/own Information/Information from P.O. records by Ken Smith. ML Marjorie Larder.

Mail times received despatched

By 1890 8.30 4.15pm & 6.30

By 1900 8.00 4.25 & 6.30

By 1905 8.25 & 12.25 6.00 No delivery Sunday

By 1909 7.45& 12.35 1.20 & 7.25 No delivery Sunday

By 1913 8.10& 12.35 1.20 & 7.25 No delivery Sunday

SANDTOFT

SARACEN'S HEAD

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

Albert Househam was Subpostmaster. He had trained at Robert's shop at Somercotes and had worked in a shop at Moulton. He had served in 1st World War and was Subpostmaster for a long while. He did mailwork and sometimes used a car to deliver it. Albert was keen on whist drives and cricket. The shop and Post Office were in a tin shed and locked up at night. He had a room built at the back and some customers had biscuits and tea. The area is very rural and there were quite a few "colonies" of plots of land given to ex servicemen to work. Albert died in service c1960-1970. His employee Tom took over. (H)

Information D. Hopper (H)

SAUSTHORPE

POPULATION 1921 108

1933 Kelly’s lists a Post & Tel Call Office. Letters From Spilsby. G. Brown Wheelwright

Mr. Brown Subpostmaster mail office for Sausthorpe Langton & Aswardby

SAXBY (NR Ingham)

SAXBY /SAXBY-ALL-SAINTS

POPULATION 1921 278

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

John Henry Taylor Subpostmaster. His only daughter Miss Mary Taylor took over when he died (or when her mother died?) she was the last Subpostmistress. Information Mrs. Marshall Bonby Office closed c1979, shop stayed open after. They realised they had made a mistake closing the P.O. but were unable to reopen it and shop later closed.

INFORMATION J. Ellis

SAXELBY/SAXILBY

POPULATION 1921 1,279

1849 Post Office Directory P.O. Mrs A. Pilley receiver and boarding school. Letters from Lincoln in ? out ?.

Early site of P.O. was on present site, Subpostmaster a Mr. Reed. It then moved across the road and Mr. Henry Ford, a descendent of the Reeds was Subpostmaster at 26 High Street for many years.(S) It was located at Walnut Tree House in 1905 (this location?)(X). There used to be telephone exchange in an outbuilding on the site. He ran the office in a very managed way and expected customers whose allowance was due on a Tuesday to come in on that Tuesday and preferably before 4pm to allow time for the mails to be prepared. (S)

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

Office moved in 1959 to 94 High Street, Subpostmistress Mrs. Caewood. She found the scope of the business more than she thought and almost immediately decided to resign. Also the position well up the High Street was not popular. It therefore moved after about 6 months and Constance Rawson Subpostmistress from January, 1960 at the present site 39/41 High Street. Her husband ___-------------------------- had originally come to village as a baker. Shop was _______________________________________ Jennifer Scott, daughter of the Rawson's, Subpostmistress from April, 1975. She and her husband Ray altered front of shop, removing bay windows and central door and providing a flat front and a side door. Shop sells greetings cards, toys and knitting wools. Horizontal partition across P.O. area removed in 1990 to make one single area. Computer installed 1990, pleased with it, will print all the cash account and paper forms except MVL copies. Doesn't improve your balance but you reach the balance point quicker. MVL C/A office Datapost? three proper positions avail- able and four people can serve at extreme times. Stamp vending machine. Receive good support from local shopkeepers and also supported by a number of people from surrounding villages who come to Saxilby to shop. Mailwork office, mail from Lincoln at 06.30. 11 rounds in 1991. Five village rounds by bicycle. 6. Van to Newton and Laughterton. 7. Van to Fenton Torksey and Brampton. 8. Moped to Broxholme and Ingleby. 9. Moped to Broadholme and towards Fenton. 10. Van to Sturton by Stow and Stow. 11. Moped Sturton Village. 7 rounds prior to 1975 then Newton and Torksey taken in, then Sturton's 2 rounds taken over and recently another revision of rounds led to the 11th being started.(S) Office became “on demand” for Euros and Dollars on 21^st July, 2005.

'A' die 4/1974, '*' die 2/1961

INFORMATION from Ray and Jenny Scott(S) Saxilby History Society (X) Datapost, when MVL, rounds, old forms,

SCAMBLESBY

POPULATION 1841 500, 1855 532, 1871 461, 1891 325, 1901 289, 1911 288 1921 280,

The 1849 Directory does not list a post office but it was probably printed prior to when the office probably opened on 11^th May, 1849. According to Post Office records an undated circular datestamp was supplied to the office on that date. Mail was delivered from and dispatched to Horncastle. By 1855 a basic Post Office is listed with Thomas Pickett Subpostmaster, land surveyor and master of National School (D). (school building distinctive tall building across the road to N. of P.O. EB). By 1865 the office may have moved as Thomas Pickett is now listed as a land surveyor, grocer and Subpostmaster continuing to at least 1872. On 1^st August, 1874 the range of facilities was extended to include Money Order and Savings Bank transaction.

By 1876 Joseph Topliss had replaced Thomas as Subpostmaster, draper and grocer but probably on the same site. By 1889 in common with other Savings Bank Offices Annuity and Insurance business could be conducted, By 1896 Mrs. Mary Ann Coney had been appointed Subpostmistress and shopkeeper. On 13^th September, 1904 the range of facilities was further exended by the installation of a telegraph (Code XMB),. By 1905 the directories list Telegraph,. Telegraph Money Orders and Express Delivery as new services available.

By 1909 Francis Mason Boyden had been appointed Subpostmaster. He was also listed as a steam miller and baker (D). Effie Boyden his daughter in law remembers mention of a Mrs. Coney and thought FB took over the P.O. at the present site from her about 1905. Deeds confirm and show FB took over in 1906 (ME). From 17^th November,1912 mail arrangements were altered and mail now came from Louth. By 1919 a Tel. Call Office facility had been installed (D). EB remembers the kiosk being in the shop until c1939/41 when a box was provided in the village. Francis Mason Boyden died in 1945 (ME) and was succeeded by his son George Francis but estate doesn't appear to have been transferred until 1950. His wife Effie ran the P.O. and balanced the accounts, and GF did the grocery and bread round. Mailwork for the village was conducted, arriving from Louth between 0715 and 0745 (by bicycle at first). A man who had lost an arm in the 1WW sorted it on the counter and delivered it. EB remembered during the 1947 winter that 700 loaves were baked on a particular day and that there wasn't a loaf left when it came to making their own tea! Family allowance was 5/- when it first started. There was a £25 limit on nightly cash, any extra had to be sent off. A local gamekeeper used to take most of the telegrams for her. Balance night was Saturday until about 1960. George Francis died in 1963 and EB continued to run office until she sold it to Mr. Wright in 1965 (ME). He continued until 5/10/1967 (ME) when he had to sell up after his wife had left (GE).

Mr. James Alfred Jones known as Jim Jones was a professional footballer; playing for Newcastle and later Lincoln, as goalkeeper. He and his wife Pat bought the P.O. in October 1967 Pat ran the P.O. and Jim delivered the mail
on a bicycle, then in 1972 Jim fell off his bicycle losing some mail, which was later found in a field. Jim lost his job over the incident and so they sold the P.O. to Mr & Mrs Beswick. (GB). During his time the mail work was removed (GE) possibly following the lost mail incident but more likely at the same time as other mail offices were concentrated onto Doncaster. Mr. GHW Beswick became Subpostmaster in June 1972. He was a retired Police Superintendent and his wife had also been a Policewomen. Mr Beswick was disenchanted with P.O. work and employed Pat Jones [the previous postmaster's wife] to do the accounting. They quickly sold the P.O. to George & Margaret Emerton business handed over to Pat in Aug 1972 (ME) but Mr. Beswick only lasted until 10/4/73 when Mr. George Emmerton was appointed on 1/4/1973 to run business with his wife Margaret as partner. George was a retired R.A.F. fighter pilot and Margaret had recently retired from teaching at R.A.F.Manby nursery school.(GE).

The office is located in a large original building 5-7 feet higher than a normal house, ceiling very high in shop giving extra shelf space. Original windows retained but brick had to be rendered and fitted with tudor style wood work c1980 (GE). Thick iron bars are fitted in one of the back room windows and ME was told it may have been used as a lock up. Girobank C/A F/T office, no lunch time, closed Wednesday. Mail brought by Postbus since it started. General stores in 1991, ME concerned that buying in bulk would be more difficult with sell by dates and that GE tells his customers tongue in cheek that if he didn't have his RAF pension he wouldn't make a living. By 2001 though George is still going strong and the shop operates as a convenience store. The postbus was replaced by a normal van collection after 2000.

OLD datestamp die 2/70

Mail times received despatched

By 1855 noon 2.00pm

By 1868 11.30 2.30pm

By 1876 11.00 2.30pm

By 1882 10.30 2.30pm

By 1885 10.45 2.30pm

By 1889 9.25 4.00pm

By 1892 9.40 4.00pm

By 1896 9.35 3.55pm weekdays only

By 1913 8.30 4.55pm weekdays only

Information from Directories/own Information/Information from P.O. records by Ken Smith (D). Effie Boyden (EB), George Emmerton (GE) and Margaret Emmerton (ME).

SCAMPTON

POPULATION 1841 242, 1851 228, 1861 235, 1871 248, 1881 230, 1891 231 1901 253, 1911 194, 1921 196, 1931 212,

The 1872 Whites Directory lists a Post Office run by Mr. Naamon Ward who was an existing shoemaker in the village. Mail was delivered from and despatched to Lincoln. However, these details have not been located in the Post Office records and his Post Office appears to have been short lived as there is no listing in the 1876 P.O. Directory or the 1882 Whites Directory.

Post Office records list a Post Office being opened in Scampton in 1884 and the 1885 Kelly’s Directory list Robert Swaby as the receiver with no other associated business. He continued until at least 1892. In 1894 a rubber datestamp was supplied probably to enable postal orders to be franked when issued, although as with many other smaller offices they could not be paid. By 1896 Joseph Ellis was appointed Subpostmaster and the location of the office was probably moved to his existing shop. Between 1900 and 1905 Postal Orders could also begin to be paid at the office. The location of the office again appears to have moved as by 1909 John Henry Swaby had been appointed at his existing blacksmith’s business. Perhaps surprisingly for a village Post Office offering the minimum range of services a Telegraph (Code XCP) was installed on 24^th October, 1911. I have not looked at the map but it may have filled a gap in the network although there was already one at Ingham. So the 1913 Directory lists the additional services of Telegraphs and Telegraph Express Delivery. (1919 Directory to examine). By 1922 a telephone had also been fitted and was available for calls to places within a limited distance. By this time the business was just listed as a Post Office. By 1930 John Henry Swaby was just listed as a small holder but the Post Office may still have been in his hands. However, by 1933 Miss Kathleen Hill had been appointed and she also ran a general stores the Telephone number was TN1. (D) I cannot tie up locations with the directories but pre 1939 the Post Office was either side of the school in both No. 18 Jasmin and No. 20 The Ridings and that prior to that date there were only 26 houses in village. During the war the Post Office was in next house to east of 23 at No. 24 Dial House. Mr. George Grantham was appointed Subpostmaster from c1945 (on his demobilisation?). He moved the Post office to 23 High Street. Originally in kitchen but he added present shop extension. The Telegraph at the office was discontinued on 6^th June, 1951.Mailwork had probably been conducted for many year c1980’s the four mailwork rounds were 1. Van from Lincoln arriving 07.00 and continuing to Scampton Camp. 2. Bicycle round to Camp. 3. 'Low Villages' Bicycle round to Scampton, Aisthorpe, Brattleby and Cammeringham. 4. Moped round to Ingham taken over from Ingham Post Office. Pauline Jackson was appointed Subpostmistress c1976/77. The shop had a hairdressing business during that time. The Margaret Voase succeeded her from August 1982, assisted by her husband. A two-storey garage and porch were added during their time. They ran a general stores with a good stock of wools. It was a cash account office under Lincoln REM.(V) She was followed by Michael Knight by May, 1999.(D) I am not sure if the office closed for a while but it then moved to be attached to the local Public House. It was though due to close in December, 2003. However a new Subpostmistress designate Mrs Annelies Francis-Van Wamel from the Netherlands has been appointed and she hoped to move the Post Office to Van Gelre House which she thinks was the location of the office in 1900. However, due to personal problems she was unable to open the office.

Mail times received despatched

By 1872 10.00 4.00pm

By 1885 07.45 5.00pm

By 1892 07.35 5.25pm

By 1896 06.45 5.25pm

By 1900 06.15 6.15pm

By 1905 06.15 6.25pm no delivery Sunday

By 1913 06.05 6.25pm no delivery Sunday

Information - Directories/own Information/Information from P.O. records by Ken Smith, (D) Mr. & Mrs Voaze (V)

SCAMPTON R.A.F.

According to Post Office records the office opened on 7^th June, 1943 as Scampton R.A.F. Post Office. On 6^th February, 1961 the office was redesignated as Scampton R.A.F. Station with no public access which may be the reason for the change. The Camp Post Office was run by Mr. Hunter assisted by his wife, in premises in Polyplatt Lane in the camp near to the A15 for about 25 years, until 31st August, 1989. It was then moved to the South western end of the camp in the NAAFI supermarket in 1989. Mr. Dean is the Subpostmaster and employed by NAAFI being based in Nottingham. The P.O. run by a P.O. Clerk who acts as the effective manager of the P.O. She is assisted on a Friday lunchtime (later presumably Wednesday’s) so balance can be started. C/A office, not datapost, camp franking machine reset. Modern layout in corner of supermarket, was sited in opposite corner from 2nd October, 1989 until present office completed in January, 1990. Open 9-5.30 M-F, 9-12.30 Sat. Large camp so enough business from family allowances Girobank etc. Datestamp Die 11/1960. In December, 2007 the office was earmarked for closure with an outreach replacement service as part of the 2,500-closure programme.

Information from Mrs. N. D. Nash shop Manager. SCAMPTON RAF RECEIPT 30/12/1978 M.Hunter P.O. records by Ken Smith

SCAWBY

POPULATION 1921 1,004

1849 Post Office Directory P.O. R. Westmoreland receiver, shopkeeper and shoemaker. Letters from Brigg in 9.00am out 11.00am.

1933 Kelly’s lists a Post, M.O., T. & T.E.D. Office. Letters From Brigg. Mrs. A. Mapplethorpe Subpostmistress

P.O. used to be sited in a general stores at the S.E. corner of Church Street and West Street (now a bed & breakfast). P.O. now sited at 1 Chapel Lane was a Spar shop at some time before 1989, P.O. counter was further back than present in N.E. corner. Mrs. Margaret Da Prati Subpostmistress 18months- 2 years c1986-1988 (D. Robinson) Some people had it for a short time, then some Italians ran it for 10 months and then Playford Subpostmaster for less than a year. Mrs. Margaret White appointed Sub postmistress in January, 1989. Bright modern P.O. situated in purpose built (1960's?) building with counter across N.E. corner. Shop sells cards and stationery. Full time with half day Wednesday. C/A office selling YEB tokens, AWA area. Mail from Brigg, Rem from Hull (used to be Scunthorpe), Area office Grimsby, Change returns to Lincoln.(W) Alan Stainton Subpostmaster and then Sue Buss appointed Subpostmistress 7^th December, 2001.

Information M. White. (W)

SCOPWICK

POPULATION 1921 570

Mr. Christian Subpostmaster in 1882 in Royal Oak P.H. By 1920 Mr. Scholey Subpostmaster at Walnut cottage. Post box set in front wall. Later wooden extension (now demolished) built round front door at side of the house to provide a counter area. (current Mr. Scholey has two photographs before and after and one of postmen.

1933 Kelly’s lists a Post & Tel Call Office. Letters From Lincoln, Mail To Kirkby Green. Owner not listed.

Mr. Scholey was replaced as Subpostmaster by his wife and she continued until c1963/64. Digby was an important mailwork office mail came from Lincoln and bulk mail was then sorted for Metheringham, Martin and Timberland and mail was also delivered to Ashby De La Launde, Blankney, Bloxham, Digby, Dorrington, and South Kyme. There were at least 5 rounds. Post office then moved to an existing shop at Willow cottage to east of Springfield. Mr. Whittaker was Subpostmaster and he was followed by his nephew Mr. Bob Stokes. In c1979 following mishandling of mail the mail work was transferred to Digby and the post office to Mr. Hill at the Swedish Timber house on the opposite side of the road and to the west of Walnut Cottage. He ran it for about a year but gave notice to take up a new job. A temporary arrangement in the village hall lasted for 6 months before Mrs. Vickers obtained permission c1981 to site the Post Office in the bedroom of her council bungalow at 33 Willow Close. A hatch- way was built so that customers could be served from the kitchen. Due to ill health Mr. Vickers became Subpostmaster in 1988. Greetings cards are also sold and a name board was affixed in 1990.

SCOTHERN

POPULATION 1921 424

1933 Kelly’s lists a Post, T. & T.E.D. Office Letters From Lincoln C. Clayton Shopkeeper, Butcher

The P.O. was sited in a butchers shop at the S.E. corner of Sudbrooke Road and Main St. Mrs. Clayton ran it and the office also had a telephone exchange. Thought to have been on this site for at least 10 years. Mr. Charlie Johnson was then Subpostmaster from c1943 at the northwest corner of Sudbrooke Road and Church St (now called Norton). The general village shop and P.O. was in a brick building at the roadside end of the plot. The post box was in the house at the rear of the plot. Towards the end of Mr. Johnson's tenure the shop was closed and the P.O. operated from the house. The office conducted mailwork during (most?) this time. Then Mrs Greta Herring became Subpostmistress in 10/1975. The opening was delayed a week because Lincoln P.O. couldn't send anyone to train her. At first P.O. was sited in existing stores on the north side of Craypool Lane to west of Orchard Close. Building has now been demolished and road widened. After Greta had taken over the shop she learnt that her grandfather had operated the shop here as well. Then in 3/1977 P.O. moved to it's present site in a purpose built shop and house, opposite the previous site, on the Herring's own land on the west corner of Craypool Lane and the later developed Orchard Close. Now operates as a Spar General Stores (not newspapers). F/T C/A office mail from Nettleham. The post office area is small, only really room for one person. They have had to modify the layout of the glass in the screen so that there is a gap at the top to pass small packets through. Though they sought advise at the time from the P.O. but it was not until it had been installed that they realised there was not a parcel hatch. Unusually the shop door opens outwards onto a fenced ramp. The door and ramp are a couple of feet higher than Orchard Close. Although they thought that the Close would be lower than the shop door they didn't think it would be that low when it was built. Post Office closed in March, 1999, unable to find a purchaser.

INFORMATION Mrs. Herring

SCOTTER

POPULATION 1921 1,043

1933 Kelly’s lists a Post, M.O., T. & T.E.D. Office. Letters From Gainsborough. C. Middleton Builder

Mrs. Jean Bristow Subpostmistress ex Sturton from c1983 Mrs. Hawkins Subpostmistress since OCT/1988. By 1992 Subpostmaster Mr. A. Proudlove. Sited at The Green Scotter. F/T C/A office with mail work, Datapost, YEB tokens and MVL. P.O. greetings cards, stationery and gifts. Full history of P.O. in "Scotter Our Village” by Olive and Kay Edgar.

SCOTTON

POPULATION 1921 270

Early site at 1 Eastgate, next to rectory bricked up post box?(EC) C1920's Mr. Bennett built house and had P.O. at Post Office House in P.O. Road, now 10 Middle Street. Just P.O. in a room with a shop window. His wife died and he remarried Gertrude (Bennett) and he continued to run P.O. until he died aged 82.

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

Gertrude then became Subpostmistress c1946 and ran it until she retired in 1955.(RM) Mr. Bill Good Subpostmaster 1955-c1958/59. He moved P.O. to general stores in 6 Westgate. He was an ex policeman, he gave it up after finding his wife dead.(RM) Mr. Ron Hancock Subpostmaster c1959- 1973(EC) Mrs. Jean Bristow Subpostmistress c1973-1983. Mailwork conducted during her time but withdrawn (Doncaster M.L.O.?) Mrs. Christine Sylvester Subpostmistress 1983-1988, asked to resign following an audit Mr. John Sutton Subpostmaster 1988-1990, asked to resign following an audit Subpostmistress from 26/2/90 Mrs. Elizabeth Chafer (Sue). She had worked for 17 years for previous Subpostmaster's. Office would have closed if she hadn't taken it on. As she was known by P.O. she didn't have to have much of a formal interview and it took just two weeks to open. C/A Girobank Community office, A.O. Doncaster, Rem Lincoln, then Doncaster, now Sheffield. Later P.O. sited at 12 Westgate in former joiners shop adjacent to house. Small shop area to cater for 'what people have run out of' and screen area. Paid to open 9-12 each day, 12.30 SAT and 2-4 THUR but decided to stay open normal hours, just closing WED and SAT pm as the villagers expected it and it helps sales in the shop and Mrs. Chafer doesn't mind. Information from Mr&Mrs Chafer & Ron Mountcastle

SCREDINGTON

POPULATION 1921 321

1933 Kelly’s lists a Post Office. Letters From Sleaford. A. Brockett Grocer

Formerly sited in a shop in the main street. There used to be a round yellow and white enamel sign above the door quoting the distance to London as 110 miles (AA sign?). Mr. Brocketts Subpostmaster there by 1932 and for many years until he died and his daughter ran the shop. He came from a local farming family. (JP) Mr. Gilbert ex Major Subpostmaster for 1 year before moving to Potter Higham P.O.(PJ) He was not popular with the villagers and increased many of the shop prices. (JP). Mr. Jack (JP) Hoskins served under Gilbert became Subpostmaster from c1947-1984. His wife mostly ran it until she died. Mail only dealt with at Xmas. Mr. Peter John Subpostmaster at Vine Cottage Main Street opposite former site since c1984. Full hours, made premises into a shop, antiques and grocery. (PJ)

Information P. John (PJ) J. Porter (JP)

SCREMBY

POPULATION 1921 117

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

Office conducted mailwork and tel exchange (S) Sited on N. side A158 in large double fronted house at lay-by opp round houses/farmyard. Stamps, postal orders and premium bonds also probably NSB. Controlled by Spilsby. Subpostmistress Mrs. Hilda Kirk, came there after 1953 floods, there in 1960 and last Subpostmistress there closing c1962/1963 either retiring or closed by P.O. Not mail work during her time. INFORMATION Mrs. Jubbs Upton Mrs K. Daughter Skendleby PO (S)

SCUNTHORPE

POPULATION 1931 33,761

ASHBY

1933 Kelly’s lists a Town Sub-Post Tel. Call Office & M.O. Office (Telegrams Can Be Handed In Only) At No.225 Ashby High Street. G. Sellick Confectioner (D)

Owned by NSS/Forbuoys in early 1980’s until sold by the company (M).

Information Directories (D) Manager Burringham Road (M).

ASHBY ROAD

1933 Kelly’s lists a Town Sub-Post Office. Located at No.176 Ashby Road. G. H. & K.Atkins Confectioners.

BOTTESFORD

POPULATION 1921 315

1933 Kelly’s lists a rural Post M.O. & Tel Call Office. Letters From Scunthorpe. J.Wainwright Shopkeeper

Early site across road from present site in a house at 271 Messingham Road. Miss Wainwright ran the P.O. Then moved across road to building to the south of the present site now a hairdressers. Mr. Trevor was the Subpostmaster. Mr. Briggs next Subpostmaster he moved P.O. to present site. Then someone else ran it for 18 months - 2.5 years before the appointment as Subpostmaster of Mr. Vincent Walters c1967. His wife Molly took over as Subpostmistress when he died. 3 position C/A office with Datapost. Also sells E. Midlands Gas tokens. Mail from Scunthorpe. Sited at 300 Messingham Road and called West Lea. Sells greetings cards, stationery and confectionery. Looks like a bungalow from the outside, but inside a large P.O. area. Wooden hanging post office sign made by Mr. Bulen Subpostmaster Messingham. Front was extended c1983.(W) Mrs Walters retired early in 2002 her son Craig took over and the P.O. was moved 4 door further north into the Spar shop run by Mr. Athwal (new Subpostmaster?) Mr. Athwal is also Subpostmaster at Scotter Road.(S)

Information Mrs. Walters(W) Scunthorpe Museum Society (S)

BUCKINGHAM AVENUE

Situated on North side of Portman Road. Post Office sited in a separate building at the bottom of the garden. Office closed by arrangement with Post Office when Sub postmistress wished to retire.(ER)

BURRINGHAM ROAD

1933 Kelly’s lists a Town Sub-Post & M.O. Office. Located at No.175(or 75?) Burringham Road. Mrs. A. Sinderson Shopkeeper (D).

By 2005 office located on the south side of the road at 78 Burringham Road. Owned by NSS newsagents and later Forbuoys by 1983. An angled two-position office with a separate parcel hatch, located at the rear of the retail area on the east wall. Confectionery, tobacco news outlet offering basic post office services (M).

Information Directories (D) Manager (M)

CHURCH LANE

Purpose built in 1939 as a Post Office and sorting office to the S.W. of the centre of the town, near the railway station. Built in anticipation that much more housing would be built to the south and west of the office than ever materialised. Was a District Head Office with a Head Postmaster. Sorting office and REM unit with a writing room with 6-7 clerks. Rem unit closed C1990. Mr. Webber HPM in 1970, very much the gentleman’s gentleman. Then Mr. Fletcher, Mr. Dryden from 1975 and the David Peck who was the HPM from c1980/1981 until reorganisation in 1986. June Ives the former Counter Supervisor became the Branch Manager until she moved to Cole St. c1987. Gillian Robinson last Branch Manager. Counter originally had 5 or 6 positions but with decline in transactions only three in operation in 1992. No rent or Poll Tax business, Scunthorpe very Civic minded with local offices etc. One position had been made into a separate area for Girobank Business Customers to deposit. Building latterly owned by Royal Mail Letters with Counters just using counter area and Branch Managers Office. Office planned to close Wednesday 11th March, 1992

COLE STREET

1933 Kelly’s lists a Post, M.O., T. & T.E.D. Office. At that time Cole Street was the main Crown Office in the town.

Branch Office. June Ives (Roebuck) Branch Manager c1987 ex Church Lane. Refurbished in gardenia and grey and carpets, 1991. Rear area of customer area extended. It became main B.O. again after Church Laneclosed. This office was itself closed by 2004, the office downgraded to a Franchise/Sub Post Office and relocated at Market Hill. Premises have been converted into a music store.

COTTAGE BECK ROAD

1933 Kelly’s lists a Town Sub-Post & M.O. Office. Located at No.60 Cottage Beck Road. Mrs. H. Markham Stationer.

DONCASTER ROAD

Sited at No. 69 on south side of road at corner of Exeter Road. Built in Mid 1920's as a shop. Richmonds ran post office then Sid North (Subpostmaster?) and Kevin Bell father and son in law ran it from c1981. MVL office, stamp vending machine, APT machine for YEB electricity tokens. John McArthur Subpostmaster since May, 1988 (son of Mr. McArthur's Subpostmaster at Henderson Ave/Scotter Road(ER-H.Ave) . In November, 1992 the counter was moved to the middle part of the shop and extended to double the previous size following closure of Church Lane. Shop sells greetings cards, confectionery, newspapers and magazines.

INFORMATION John McArthur

EAST ASHBY

In 1965 P.O. was sited on north side of Ashby High Street opposite to present site, which is now a betting shop. P.O. also sold toys. Then c 1968 P.O. moved across road to present site at No. 46 Ashby High Street, premises built 1904. Mr. Whittingham owned both properties as well as some adjoining ones. He is though to have been Subpostmaster prior to the move and then definitely at the new site until c1972. Then Mr. Gordon Taylor was Subpostmaster until March, 1987 when Mr. Tony Carr was appointed. Two/three position C/A office with a YEB APT imprinter. Also sells cards, sweets ice cream and was also trying out a cheap photocopying service in 1994. Moneygram office by 2005.

INFORMATION Mr. Carr’s assistant.

EAST COMMON LANE

Post Office records indicate that the office was opened by 1941. (D) Present site is on the N.E. corner of East Common Lane and Hampden Road. Local information was that it was built in 1946 so the office may have moved or the building is earlier. Mrs. H. Markham was the Subpostmistress. The shop sold a wide range of products including grocery. In 1949 she was replaced by the Batchelor family, they came from the Sheffield area. Makin, Smith and Davis then followed them. In March 1982 the Hills were appointed. They abandoned the sale of grocery items. Mrs. Kathy Dixon was appointed as Subpostmistress in February, 1983. She and her husband had previously run a rural office in Yorkshire. Operates as a two position office also selling greetings cards and stationery. Also sold confectionery in 1983. Was a datapost office until January, 1993. Sells Gas Tokens and has a YEB APT imprinter. (KD) Office changed hands in 2003.

Information (D) Information from P.O. records by Ken Smith (KD) K. Dixon.

FRODINGHAM

FRODINGHAM ROAD

Sited at No. 150, block built 1908 and P.O. probably opened about that time. Was a chemists at some time.(JH).

1933 Kelly’s lists a Town Sub-Post Tel. Call Office & M.O. Office (Telegrams Can Be Handed In Only).A. West Taylor, Chemist.

Harry and Norma Swain ran Post Office from mid 1950's. They then ran the fruit and vegetable shop next door. Miss Humphreys appointed(JH) c1967, definitely by 1968(S) RECEIPT 3/5/1977 Frank Stenton. Frank Stenton appointed c1977. Mr. John Hutchinson Subpostmaster since 15/8/1981.(JH) Two position office with shop counter selling cards stationery and toys. Stated as closing as part of the reinvention programme on 11^th January, 2005.

Information. J. Hutchinson(JH), Swains Shop(S)

HENDERSON AVENUE

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

Opened by 1936 at 66 Henderson Avenue, on east side of road just north of The Circle. Previous Subpostmaster there for a number of years until he retired. Then Mr. MacArthur Subpostmaster from c1972 until he transferred to Scotter Road. Mr. Ervin Robson appointed 4/2/1978. 3 position office with YEB token APT imprinter. At one time there was a stamp vending machine attached to the exterior pillar box. It was vandalised and Mr. Robson kept it in his garage for eight years until eventually disposing of it. Shortly after he received a letter asking if it was in good order! No half day since asked to do so following closure of Buckingham Avenue, he also obtained an additional datestamp at this time. Uses a Capture Computer. Arrangement exists for Royal Mail to drop bags of mail at the office for round postman to collect later. Situated in a large self service grocery store. Information E. Robson

HIGH STREET

1933 Kelly’s lists a Town Sub-Post Tel. Call Office & M.O. Office. Located at No.184 High Street. M. Geary Stationer.

Mr. Frank Stenton Subpostmaster? from 1981. Office closed at short notice by P.O.(JH) closed c1983/1984

MARKET HILL

New purpose built facility sited in the rear section of the NISA Store at No. 19. Opened by 2004. Replaced Cole Street when it ceased to be a crown office. First Subpostmaster was Ken Atkins who used to own Bradley Cross Roads Grimsby.

NEW BRUMBY

NEW FRODINGHAM

Original site was thought to have been in Williams Street. P.O. now sited at 114 Rowland Road at the N.W. Corner or Rowland Road and Williams Street. Only shop here. May have been sited here since 1936 when grocery shop founded on site run by Hailes family. Stan Phillipson took over c1972 and gave up selling groceries David - Subpostmaster since September, 1979. Two position C/A office selling YEB tokens with manual imprinter. Also sells greetings cards, stationery and sweets.(D-)

OLD BRUMBY

Sited at 176 Ashby Road in parade with other shops including a Tates. Bert Subpostmaster and Mary Jeremy ran office until Mr. John Plater was appointed in September, 1985. Three position C/A office with YEB APT imprinter. Shop also sells Sandwiches, snacks, ice cream and toys. In 1994 metal posts fitted round pavement forecourt which has prevented people parking there.(P) John and Mary Plater sold business to Chris and Susan Bluff of Peterborough on 5/4/1999

Information P (Mrs. & Mrs. Plater.)

RIDDINGS

SANTON

1933 Kelly’s lists a Town SubPost & M.O. Office. Owner not listed.

SCOTTER ROAD

Subpostmaster Mr. Athwal by 2001, also runs Bottesford.(S)

Information Scunthorpe Museum Society (S)

WESTCLIFF

Office was located in unit 7 The Precinct a unit on the west side of the purpose built estate precinct of shops. RECEIPT 18/1/1977 George Phillipson.(N) Trevor Bakewell appointed 1988 ex Burringham (E). At the end of January, 2001 Mr. Bakewell sold the business to the Lincoln COOP and in July the office was moved to the COOP store just north of the Precinct on the west side (M). A purpose built four-positon office was provided in the S.W. corner of the building. In 2005 the opening hours were 08.00-17.30 Monday to Friday, 08.00-12.30 Saturday.

Information N.S.P.O. (N), Errington Burringham (E), COOP Manager (M).

WILLIAM STREET

1933 Kelly’s lists a Town Sub-Post Tel. Call Office & M.O. Office. Located at 1 William Street. Owner not listed.

SEARBY

SEDGEBROOK

POPULATION 1921 202

1933 Kelly’s lists a Post & Tel Call Office. Letters From Grantham. R. Jackson Shopkeeper

SEWSTERN

SHRUB HILL

There was a P.O. here but details not known Information HB Tatershall

SIBSEY

POPULATION 1921 1,063

1849 Post Office Directory P.O. W. Bordass postmaster and shopkeeper. Letters from ? in 8.00am out 6.00pm.

At present site since pre 1914 and probably pre 1900.

1933 Kelly’s lists a Post, M.O., T. & T.E.D. Office. Letters From Boston. W. Scaman & Sons Grocers

Attractive enamelled post office business signs on exterior in 1990 (D). Bannister family ran Post Office from c1966 Mailwork finished c1986 probably on new appointment. Mr. John Reed appointed in 1986. Mr. D. John Davey appointed in August, 1989. C/A office in general stores and off licence, now the one shop in the village. Took on newspapers since mailwork finished and in 2005 eight rounds were operated including a car delivery to the surrounding area. In 1998 the premises were considerably extended southwards and converted into a Mace Convenience Store. Customers are surprised when they enter at the size of the retail area provided. The Post Office counter was moved from the north wall to the centre of the edge of the new retail area on the west wall.

A basic range of post office services was extended in May 2003 by the National Lottery and in February, 2004 by Vehicle Licensing (J).

Opening hours in 2005 09.00-12.00 13.00-17.30 Monday-Thursday, 09.00-12.00 Friday/Saturday.

Information Myself and business directories (D) John Davey (J)

SILK WILLOUGHBY

POPULATION 1921 222

1933 Kelly’s lists a Post & Tel Call Office. Letters From Sleaford. C. Brocket Grocer

By 2007 opening hours 09.00-12.00 MON-THUR

SKEGNESS

POPULATION 1931 9,121 (40,000 Summer)

(OBB97 INTRODUCED FROM 1858) By 1900 the office was sited in Roman Bank.

1933 Kelly’s lists a Post, M.O., T. & T.E.D. Office still located at Roman Bank.

Mrs. Dorothy Cooper joined P.O. at Skegness in 1938 as a telegraph and counter clerk. She received six weeks training at the training school. One of her first awkward moments on her own was dealing with a foreign telegraph money order. There was an extra charge beyond 8 words but she didn't charge for the name and address so the fee had to be extracted from the customer later. During the war a large group of Irish staff were based at accommodation in Skegness including Butlins and were bussed to work on the construction of East Kirkby Aerodrome. They sent large numbers of TMO's home and there were often problems understanding the wording with the customers scrawling the forms out on the bus back. A bomb fell near the office and the staff ran for cover, the overseer was concerned that the counter serving draws had not been locked! A lot of washing was sent home by members of the forces and some members of staff caught fleas from it. She later did writing and audit duties. There were letter, accounts and wages duties in the writing room. DC nee Miss Johnson remembers laughing one day when the HPM asked "have you got much on" or to rephrase "have you got much work on". The Account duty dealt with the paperwork from the 21 non C/A offices in the Skegness area. She used to audit the rural offices by bicycle and it was also much used in town. Balancing was daily when she first started, then later every 2 days. In the 1940's three sheets of withdrawals @ 23 per sheet per clerk was normal. The office opened on Sundays and Christmas day then and telegrams were accepted. Bank Holiday Sundays were very busy with customers queuing right to closure. At Christmas the counter clerks had to help out in sorting office after close of business and sometimes they didn't finish until 10.00pm. Even in the summer shortage of staff could lead to additional work in the sorting office. She clearly remembers her 21st Birthday working to 10.30pm helping in sorting office and then balancing up. One evening she remembers enthusiastically talking to a visiting superior till midnight at her lodgings about how offices could balance once a week. Six months later the scheme was introduced very much as she had outlined it. She didn't get any credit and her superior got promoted! The weekly balancing was introduced c1967 and she left in 1969. Passing telegrams on a Saturday morning towards the end of the service was sometimes a problem to get through. She couldn't leave until they had been transmitted. She was glad to see the end of the telegram service.(DC) Branch Office and sorting office Roman Bank. Owned by Royal Mail, they may have a file of cuttings at Peterborough. Purpose built in 1928 to replace office in TSB buildings. Down graded to a Salaried Sub Office under Boston since 1971. PEB in charge of Building, supervising P.O. in charge of counter. Mr. Foster Branch Manager on reorganisation in 1986. (F) Information Mr. Foster (F)

BURGH ROAD

Sited at 172 Burgh Road. Originally located in the front room of present building which was a detached house. As such by 1945. Mr. Hodson first Subpostmistress. Then Mr. Alan Carr Subpostmaster, then Mr. Alan Bradley Subpostmaster c1963-July 1988. Mr. Brian Tarant Subpostmaster July 1988 to (MAR,1992). Located in Spar Shop, counter now moved from original site at front right of shop to rear left. Two positions. By 2002 Spar shop purchased by Tates c2000 and counter with 3 positions sited in N.E. corner.

COOP FPO

BUTLINS

Lt. Col. Ewen Subpostmaster during the war and after. Accommodation got very tatty by the end of the war and DC remembers being disturbed in the toilet. In 1950's DC remembers auditing 20 sheets of NSB items per day @ 23 per sheet. Later moved from site near funfair further south east to entrance to supermarket on NE. wall. Sited there in 1998 but talk of refurbishing supermarket and moving it again. Run by a manager, two positions.

DRUMMOND ROAD

1933 Kelly’s lists a Post, M.O. & Tel Call Office (Telegrams Can Be Handed In Only) 130 Drummond Road.

Counter was in N.E. corner of general stores in early 1990’s. By 2002 counter had been moved to N.W. corner and shop just cards and stationery. Jenny Subpostmistress.

LUMLEY ROAD

1933 Kelly’s lists a Post & M.O. Office. Mrs. A. Wrate Photographer

Mrs. Wraite Subpostmistress ex Pier P.O. Then her daughter Mrs Glover took over and then a man who was a photographer ran it for a short while before closure. (DC) closed 1982 (MR. F.) closed 05/12/82 (ODRH)

NORTH PARADE

Sited, on or near pier, site much altered now. Used to walk up steps to the office. Mrs. Wrate Subpostmistress. Seasonal office, closed at start of war

RICHMOND DRIVE CARA PARK

Seasonal Office, situated in the rear of the supermarket on this large caravan site. David Williams, Site owner, was Subpostmaster until his sudden death. Noel Curtis Manager in 1994. One position C/A office with half height glass screen. F/T office closing WED and SAT pm Information D. Cooper

SANDBECK AVENUE

P.O. was sited near letter box - now a DIY shop ? Information DC

SEAVIEW ROAD

1933 Kelly’s lists a Post, M.O. & Tel Call Office. Owners not listed.

Mr. Henry Brown Subpostmaster from c1950 to c1972. It was a hardware and general store, selling anything from tin trays to beach balls. (BB).Mr. Gamble was then Subpostmaster (DC). A.W. & G.I. Harness proprietors in April, 1992. Vegetable shop with some groceries for at least a couple of years. One position office. By 2002 still same but counter has two positions. Nigel Harness Subpostmaster.

Information Bill Brown (BB) D. Cooper (DC)

SEATHORNE

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

Mrs. Drewery Subpostmistress after 1945 and continued to at least 1957. Then Raymond Dennis Ltd. ran it. Then Mr. Derrick Butler Subpostmaster c1985- c1990. He also ran Ingoldmells. (B) He was replaced by Mr. David Kaye as Subpostmaster. He tended to put money in from the shop when the P.O. was short and take it out of the P.O. for the shop when needed. An audit revealed a shortage and he was asked to resign. At that time P.O. was sited at the N.W. corner of the western end of Seathorne Crescent and Roman bank next to No. 402(R) P.O. then moved to present site.(DC) P.O. moved in July, 1993 to Hewisons Superstore at 2 Winthorne Ave at the S.E. corner with Roman Bank. Mr. David Hewison Subpostmaster. Counter was moved in 1994 from S.E. corner of the store to the N.W. corner.(M) A door nearby leads into Roman Bank. Two position office, possibly three. Operated the National Lottery from the outset. (B)

Information B. Banks (B) D. Cooper (DC), manageress (M)

WAINFLEET ROAD

Mr. Newbury Subpostmaster until/by 1950. P.O. was sited near current letter box Information DC

SKELLINGTHORPE

POPULATION 1921 1,099

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

Previous site was in Stoney Yards. Now sited in 9 Jerusalem Road in a side extension to existing house. At that time William Sturdy? was Subpostmaster, then the Woods and then Mr. & Mrs. Gannon. Gwen Cook was Subpostmistress with her husband Brian from c1975. He was ex RAF. Mr. Richard Maine Subpostmaster from 22^nd January, 1992 with his wife Ruth. Three position office also selling cards, stationery and sweets. Does DVLA work. Mail work office with four rounds, mail from Lincoln at 06.30.1. “Birds” streets, Waterloo and Decoy Farm. 2. Church Road, Wiseholme, Garden Field, 3. Old Wood, Saxilby Road, High Planes. 4. Jerusalem Road, Doddington to Carr Farm and outlying properties (van round) also drops additional bags for other rounds. With Horizon only two sets of equipment could be fitted into layout. Mail to Lincoln.

Information P. Howden.

SKENDLEBY

POPULATION 1921 211 May have originally been at a shed at the vicarage. Mr. Rattenbury Subpostmaster in 1915. When he died his brother ran it until the Mr. Rattenbury's daughter Miss Bentley was old enough.

1933 Kelly’s lists a Post & Tel Call Office Letters From Spilsby J. Rattenby draper.

Mr. Rowland Subpostmaster by 1939 Then Mr. E. Merton Subpostmaster for 4 years. Mr. White Subpostmaster from June 1960 but Mrs. White runs it. Situated in general stores, same site as by 1915

SKILLINGTON

POPULATION 1921 343

1849 Post Office Directory P.O. William Smith Postmaster and master of Free School. Letters from Colsterworth in 9.15am out 4.30pm.

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

Photo and note in Lincolnshire Life June, 1994 P.O. for sale in 1994.

SLEAFORD (NEW SLEAFORD)

POPULATION 1931 7,024

1849 Post Office Directory P.O. S. Obbinson Postmaster, chemist, druggist and sub-distributor of Stamps (probably Inland Revenue Stamps). Market Place. Letters from London in 6.45am out 6.55am and from Lincoln in 6.00pm out 8.00am.

(OB716) allocated.

1933 Kelly’s lists a Post, M.O., T. & T.E.D. Office. Located at 72 Southgate.

Someone from Canada would like to contact Nancy Grimes who worked at this Post Office in 1943. Please contact us if you can assist.

-NORTH PARADE

-OLD SLEAFORD

-WOODSIDE

Sited in stores opens 09.00-13.00, 14.00-17.30, 09.00-12.00 Saturday.

SLOOTHBY

According to Post Office records the office probably opened in September, 1923. (D) Local knowledge is that it was there between 1927 and 1933. Mr. Clay was the Subpostmaster at the general store. He provided pensions to paraffin, toiletries to towels and even charged your wireless accumulator for a few coppers. (H)

The 1933 Kelly’s Directory lists a Post & Telephone Call Office (Telegrams Despatched But Not Delivered) run by Harry Clay also listed as a Grocer. Letters were delivered from and dispatched to Alford. The 1937 Directory as lists Mr. Clay, the office Telephone number was Willoughby 4. This is the last Directory but Harry may have continued until the office closed c1987. (D)

Information G. Hows, Melton Mowbray (H), Directories/own information/information from P.O. records by Ken Smith (D).

SNITTERBY

POPULATION 1921 229

Probably always on same site. Original P.O. in half of front of building but then walls knocked through so shop occupied whole of front of building. Mrs. Skelton Subpostmistress for many years from c1928.

1933 Kelly’s lists a Post & Tel Call Office. Letters From Kirton Lindsey A. Skelton Shopkeeper.

Mr. Tom Bell Subpostmaster by 1953 (about right takeover date). Mr. L. Lamberts Subpostmaster from 1972/73 He had new shop built at back of house (connected to original building). Mr. Holmes for a few years. Mr. & Mrs Evans 18mths 1984/85 from R.S.A. Current Subpostmistress Miss Pam Martin since 1985. Mail originally came for Kirton but from Gainsborough by 1943. Office closed 28^th September, 2004 (KS)

SOMERBY near Grantham see Old Somerby

SOUTH EAU BANK See Throckenholt

SOUTH ELKINGTON (See Elkington)

SOUTH FERRIBY

POPULATION 1921 736

1849 Post Office Directory P.O. H. Clark Postmaster and blacksmith. Mail from Barton, received 11.30am, dispatched 2.45pm. The Andrew’s family ran the Post Office for many years in the early 1900’s (D)

Early site of Post Office was in Skinners Lane, run by a Mr. Green. Then P.O. moved to S.W. corner of Old Post Office Lane in a purpose built extension, now a garage. Mr. Andrew Cook ran it. (JPB)

1933 Kelly’s lists a Post, M.O., T. & T.E.D. Office. Letters From Barton-On-Humber. A. Cook & Son Joiners (D)

His son Mr. Len Cook then took over and in 1938 built a new property (now with blue doors and a windmill in the garden) on the South side of Sluice Road West of Low Street and moved P.O. there. It was sited in the front room of the house, turning right from the hallway. In 1948 his cousin Mrs. Janet Brown became Subpostmistress. It was a telegraph office in her time and mail was delivered in Ferriby and Horkstow until Barton took over in the early 1950's. In November 1981 Mrs. (Janet) Pauline Heathershaw daughter of Mrs. Brown became Subpostmistress and moved P.O. to a front room of (now) Abstainers cottage in Low Street near the junction with Skinners Lane. The Post box from Sluice road was given to Barton Museum. Towards the end of 1988 she had the opportunity to buy the declining village stores and moved the P.O. to the current site in Sluice Road. Since then she has made 'a go of it' and now runs the P.O. in conjunction with a Spar Shop and also sells newspapers and rents Video's. C/A office under Grimsby Area with Rems from Hull and mail from Barton-On-Humber.(JPB) Kate Smith Subpostmistress by May, 1999. Opening hours in 2007 09.00-12.30 13.30-17.30 MON-FRI, except 09.00-12.30 WED and SAT.

Information Myself and business directories (D) Janet Brown (JPB)

SOUTH KELSEY

POPULATION 1921 502

1849 Post Office Directory P.O. G. Tomlinson receiver, chemist, druggist and draper. Mail from Caistor, received 2.00pm, dispatched at same hour.

Early site in house to north of church (now named North View). Otter Family had it(P). Then sited at The Old Post Office Market Rasen Road (on the N.E. corner of a sharp bend opposite village hall. Mrs. Dannat Subpostmistress there from when she came to the village c1912. There was a burglary at the office while she was at chapel, unusual in those times. (P)

1933 Kelly’s lists a Post & Tel Call Office Letters From Lincoln Mrs. E. Danatt Shopkeeper. (D)

Mrs. Dannat’s nephews daughter Edna Cobb came from Gainsborough when she was 16 in c1944 to assist. Not a money order office but did telegrams. Sorting office then, postman lived in village. Edna took over as Sub postmistress a few years before Mrs. Dannat died. Probably after her appointment she married Mr. Fieldsend.(P) Mrs. Fieldsend Sub postmistress until she retired over 70 and losing her mind (J). Shop was a general stores (fittings and various items of stock still in shop when she died in 1993. Then Mrs. E. Jackson appointed.(J) Post Office moved to Windy Forge (named by Jacksons) on south side of Waddingham Road. Post Office situated in converted barn/outhouse which was formerly her son's flat. Incorporates a small general stores with cards and sweets ice cream etc. Offers a delivery service from Caistor. Prescriptions delivered Tue and Thur for collection during opening hours (for repeat prescriptions). Community Office opening 10.00-4.30 Tue and Thur. C/A office balancing on the Tuesday. Rem from Lincoln until it closed now cashco from Sheffield from 22/6/1993. Mrs. Jackson used to do some nursing and her husband a taxi driver. She was offered the office on a f/t basis but didn't want it then.(J) INFORMATION Mrs. Parkinson (P), Mrs. Jackson (J)

SOUTH KILLINGHOLME

POPULATION 1921 1,061

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

Sited in a thatched cottage opposite the present site from 1930 (now demolished and made into a landscaped open garden) thought to have been in a shop in a street further north. Moved in 1934 to middle section of 1960’s site. In 1966 new office and sorting office built adjoining and to south. In 1981 post office became entirely the sorting office and counter moved into shop area to north of original middle section. Mailwork office delivering to North Killingholme, east to river, north to east Halton and the old aerodrome. In 1989 Subpstmaster was Bill Clegg. Postmaster mentioned that an old postman said he did a round of 38 miles from Killingholme to Brocklesby, Limber, and Caistor Top. One sorting office datestamp and two counter datestamps,

By 1993 office had moved to general stores on Town Street. By March, 2005 Sally Bush had been appointed Subpostmistress.

SOUTH KYME

POPULATION 1921 424

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

Robards family involved at some stage. (D)

community office from 13.8.88 MON, TUE 09.00-12.00, THUR 09.00-11.30 FRI 14.00-17.30, SAT 09.00-11.30. (P) Photo in Lincolnshire life museum,

Information Directories/own Information/Information from P.O. records by Ken Smith (D) P.O.C.L. Sheffield (P)

SOUTH ORMESBY

POPULATION 1841 259, 1851 261, 1871 275, 1881 294, 1891 238, 1901 226, 1911 234 1921 286, 1931 308

The office is thought to have been in the same building since opening (R). Post Office records indicate that the office was opened in 1875. The 1882 Directory lists a basic Post Office with Mrs. Harriet Thorndyke Subpostmistress and shopkeeper. Mail was delivered from and dispatched to Alford. Between 1889 and 1892 Mr. Thomas C. Porter was appointed Subpostmaster. However, by 1896 he had been replaced by Mr. Jarvis Bellamy. By 1896 in common with most other offices, postal orders could be issued but not paid. This was possibly from 1886 when a rubber datestamp was supplied but unusually a further rubber datestamp was supplied in 1894 so it may only have been from that date. By 1905 Postal Orders could be issued and paid. Bellamy continued to be listed in the 1913 Directory (D). Mrs. Rhodes thought Mr. Scrimshaw may also have been Subpostmaster and Mr. Bellamy retired about c1910. Mr. Dyas replaced Bellamy as Subpostmaster (R). The 1919 Directory lists the Subpostmaster as George Dyas. Mr. William Rhodes (Bill) was then Subpostmaster from 1919 until 1940 (R). The Directory of 1922 confirms this. By 1933 the range of facilities had been extended to Post, Telegraph & Tel Call Office (Telegrams Dispatched But Not Delivered).From 1^st April 1933 mail commenced to be dispatched from Louth and the Telegraph service had been discontinued although Post Office records do not record the installation of a telegraph at this office so it was probably just that a telephone had been installed. (D)

Mr. Hall was Subpostmaster from 1940 to 1947 when Thomas Rhodes son of William took over. He ran it until 1968 when his son Peter took over for 6 months before the final Subpostmistress his wife Mrs. Margaret Rhodes was appointed. The Post Office House is owned by the Masserbred Mundy estate and was extended with new upper story and lower rooms in 1951. For many years the business was that of a small holding with cows and pigs Mr. Rhodes used to look after it while his wife would run the post office. The general stores were open in the post office building until about 1969.The Post Office was open MON, TUE, WED am and all day THUR in the 1990’s. Not a mail office by the 1980’s but in the 1930's mail used to come arrive at 10.00 with the postman returning at 3.00. There was a red wooden hut in the village, which acted as a rest/mess room with a cooking stove. To supplement their income the postmen used to do cobbling, gardening or decorating between 10.00 and 3.00. Part of the mail for the village came from Louth on a round including Swaby and Ketsby. (R)The office Closed 27/10/1997

Mail times

By 1882 received 10.30 dispatched 3.00pm winter, 4.00pm summer.

By 1885 received 09.30 dispatched 3.00pm winter, 4.00pm summer.

By 1892 received 08.15 dispatched 4.30pm winter, 5.00pm summer by mail cart.

By 1900 received 08.30 dispatched 4.30pm winter, 5.00pm summer by mail cart

By 1909 received 07.20 dispatched 5.45pm

By 1909 received 10.00 dispatched 3.00pm

Information M. Rhodes (R) Directories/own Information/Information from P.O. records by Ken Smith (D)

SOUTH RAUCEBY

POPULATION 1921 648(Incl. N.&S.)

1933 Kelly’s lists a Post, M.O. & Tel Call Office. Letters From Sleaford. F. Sumner Stationer

Closed 29/11/85 (ODRH)

SOUTH RESTON

POPULATION 1871 286, 1881 238 1891 203, 1901 179, 1911 166 1921 151, 1931 170

Although having a similar population to many other villages in the area official records indicate that an office was not opened here until 1900. 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 1900 to cancel these. The office also offered the basic range of post office services. The 1905 Directory lists Thomas Hamilton as Subpostmaster, blacksmith and shopkeeper. Mail was delivered to or dispatched from Louth. The 1909 directory omits the shop reference as does the 1913 Directory. However, between 1909 and 1913 Benjamin Charles Banks replaced Hamilton as Subpostmaster. As he was also a blacksmith he probably worked at the same location.

The location of the office did probably move by 1919 as the Directory for that year lists Mrs. Rebecca Abbott as Subpostmistess and shopkeeper. Charles Edward Abbott is listed as shopkeeper and carrier. She continues to the last directory available but how long she remained after 1937 is not known. Charles is not mentioned after 1930. By 1933 in common with most other offices Telephone Call Office facility was added but unusually the directory mentions that Telegrams Despatched But Not Delivered. (D) In the 1950’s the office was just a post office only. The Stones family had it prior to Betty Lewington being appointed. (L)

At some stage the office at this location closed. I am not sure for how long but the office reopened on 23^rd May, 1989 at Reston Stores, The Garage. (D) The existing garage and store owners Leonard and Kathleen Clay incorporated the Post Office into the business and Kathleen was appointed Subpostmistress. (D) The office operates as a community office opening MON, WED, THUR 09.00-14.00. (D) Peter Wykes was appointed Subpostmaster on 20^th December, 1999 and resigned in October, 2004. The hours of opening were altered on appointment to MON, TUE, WED 09.00-12.00, THUR 09.00-13.00. The present owners were a father and son team. (W) This office then closed but on 28^th October, 2009 a Wednesday morning outreach service was opened in the Waggon and Horses P.H. The service is operated by North Somercotes Post Office. (D)

Information Directories/own Information/Information from P.O. records by Ken Smith (D) B. Lewington (L) Peter Wykes (W)

SOUTHREY

According to Post Office records the office opened in 1875 with mails dispatched from and delivered to Lincoln. Whites 1882 Directory lists a Post Office offering basic services with Mr. George Turner as Subpostmaster and also grocer, baker and draper. The 1885 and subsequent Directories list the Subpostmaster as John George Turner. Whether this is the same man or his son is not clear. 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. They were on sale here by 1896. By 1892 the business was described as that of a farmer, grocer, baker and draper and by 1896 flour and offal dealer had been added. Between 1900 and 1905 George Turner had been replaced by Charles Ruthergill who was also a farmer. The location of the office probably changed as Thomas Taylor was listed as a shopkeeper. Also by 1905 Postal Orders could be issued and paid.

By 1909 the Post Office is listed as returning to the Turner family as Mrs Deborah was the Subpostmistress and also grocer. Not sure why it should have moved again but it appears to have returned to it’s former location. Between 1919 and 1922 George Edward East replaced her, probably at the same location, as he was also a Grocer. (D) Mrs Chapman of Bardney remembers him and that Mr and Mrs East ran the P.O. for many years. (C) By1933 Kelly’s lists that a Telephone Call Office facility had been added; the phone number was Bardney 18. (D) Mail was delivered to Fen and area across river. (C) Unsure of who ran the office after that. Latterly the office situated in the General stores since at least 1970, prior to this it was sited at The Old Stores Lowthorpe, mail from Horncastle,(Subpostmaster). The office closed on 3^rd October, 1989. (D)

Mail times

By 1882 received 7.15am dispatched 6.20pm

By 1885 received 7.00am dispatched 6.42pm

By 1889 received 7.10am dispatched 6.20pm

By 1892 received 7.45am dispatched 6.30pm

By 1896 received 7.10am dispatched 6.30pm

By 1905 received 7.10am dispatched 6.30pm no delivery Sunday (probably never was)

By 1909 received 7.10am dispatched 6.25pm no delivery Sunday (probably never was)

Information Mrs. Chapman (C) Directories/own Information/Information from P.O. records by Ken Smith (D)

SOUTH SOMERCOTES

POPULATION 1881 - 435, 1891 - 415, 1901 - 392, 1911 - 314 1921 -336, 1931 - 287

According to Post Office records the office opened by April, 1880. The 1882 Whites Directory lists a Post Office at Mr. Samuel Dixon's grocery and drapery business. Mail delivered from Grimsby at 11.30am and despatched at 2.30pm (weekdays only KELLY's 1885). By 1889 postal orders could be issued but not paid. This was possibly from 1885 when a rubber datestamp was supplied. By July, 1892 mail delivered from Louth at 9.15am and despatched at 4.15pm (4.10 by 1896).

By 1905 John Thompson had been appointed Subpostmaster, business listed as grocery only. Mail now delivered from Louth at 9.00am and despatched at 4.10pm. (week days only). Postal orders could now be issued and paid. Mrs. Samuel Dixon remained in the village, listed as a farmer. By 1909 mail delivered at 7.40am (8.30 by 1913) and despatched at 4.30pm. John listed as John Graves Thompson by 1913 and business also listed as offering a carrier service though by 1919 the business was again listed as just grocery. By 1922 Mrs. Marion Thompson appointed Subpostmistress.

By 1930 Mrs. Marion Forman appointed Subpostmistress. By 1933 Telephone Call Office facility provided. By 1937 Mr. Tom Glover appointed Subpostmaster. (D) Mr. Barry acted at Subpostmaster from September, 1969-1972. He had formerly been a Subpostmaster in Huddersfield and later ran the P.O. at Norton Disney. Then Mons Walker appointed. Miss Glover daughter of former Subpostmistress married Mons Walker. They ran P.O. (S) In the past someone sold pallets of sugar from here during period of sugar shortage. Also in earlier years part of the shop was upstairs reached by steps out from the shop.

Mrs. Stevenson? ran P.O. until December, 1986. Office then became a community office from January, 1987 after two weeks of closure. The office has probably always been located on the current Town Street site. Mrs. Linda Beal appointed Subpostmistress. P.O. still situated in the general stores which also operating a car sales agency and a pet food delivery service for a period. No stock was regularly sent from Swindon or Sheffield so had to order specially. One of each postal order on takeover, now two of each allowed. Prior to introduction of Horizon and producing a weekly cash account telephone bills were sent in a registered envelope to Louth. Linda had difficulty in obtaining a roundel. In recent years specialises in cross stitch supplies and producing hand embroidered cards. (B) (D) In December, 2007 the office was earmarked for closure as part of the 2,500-closure programme.

Datestamp 11 34 D

Information - Directories/own Information/Information from P.O. records by Ken Smith (D), L. Beal (B), R. Smith (S)

SOUTH THORESBY

POPULATION 1841 142, 1851 156, 1861 162, 1881 159, 1891 139, 1901 108, 1911 115, 1921 99, 1931 107

According to Post Office records the office probably opened on 27^th March, 1849 when an undated circular datestamp was supplied to the office. Mail was delivered to and dispatched from Alford. The 1855 Post Office Directory lists Thomas Keal proving a basic Post Office service. He is again listed in 1861 but the 1868 directory just lists him as parish clerk. According to Post Office records the office closed in 1864 and was re-established in 1881. The 1889 Directory lists John Thomas Wallis providing a basic Post Office service and also as a grocer. The 1892 White's Directory also lists drapery and druggist in the list of activities. In 1894 a rubber datestamp was supplied to the office. Normally these were supplied when the office commenced issuing (but not paying) Postal Orders. The Directories do not mention this facility being available at South Thoresby until 1900. By 1905 Postal Orders could be issued and paid. Between 1905 and 1909 William Henry Bradshaw replaced Wallis. By 1913 George Terry is listed as Subpostmaster but as the business was listed as Bradshaw and Terry. Not sure if George was related to William by marriage or just a business partner.

By 1919 Frederick William Shepherd had taken over as Subpostmaster and Grocer but he was not in post for very long. (D)

Ernest Lusby became Subpostmaster and grocer by 1920. He came from Croft. P.O. and shop was sited in house, rented from the estate, the first house east of the junction between the pub and the church. As well as the post office he also had a milk and grocery round. (L) By 1933 he was still in post and a Telephone Call Office facility had been installed. Telephone Number was Swaby 013. Mail was delivered from Alford.(D) During the second world war the shop closed and shop and P.O. moved to Vine public house probably from the site it had been located since 1881. Premises at The Vine had to be in a separate part of one end of the building. The Lusby's even had to go outside themselves to go from the pub to the P.O. (L) The office closed in 1982. (D)

Mail times

By 1855 received 8.00am dispatched 5.30pm

By 1861 received 8.00am dispatched 5.00pm

By 1889 received 8.00 dispatched 4.30pm winter, 5.30pm summer.

By 1900 received 7.10 dispatched 5.35pm winter, 6.05pm summer Weekdays only

By 1905 received 7.25 dispatched 5.35pm winter, 6.05pm summer Weekdays only

By 1909 received 7.10 dispatched 6.20pm Weekdays only

By 1913 received 7.20 dispatched 6.20pm Weekdays only

Information - Directories/own Information/Information from P.O. records by Ken Smith (D) Mr. Lusby son (L)

SOUTH WILLINGHAM

POPULATION 1921 226

1933 Kelly’s lists a Post & Tel Call Office. Letters From Lincoln Mr. T. Johnson And Miss E. Johnson Grocers

Originally sited in a thatched cottage across the road from the present one - Trews family? Present site purpose built by Mr. Johnson by 1889. Run by him, his daughter and the nephew of his daughter Walter Johnson until 1984. Mrs. Maureen Dannison then appointed. Sited in general stores. Mailwork office until last mail delivered to office from Lincoln 7.25 am 26/6/1976. Round in village and round to Benniworth, Market Stainton and Ranby. Mail may have been collected from Wragby in earlier years and mail also delivered in Hainton and Brough.(MD) Office closed on Thursday 31st July, 1997

Information M. Dannison (MD) Louth Leader (LL 30/7/97)

SOUTH WITHAM

POPULATION 1921 446

Coaching House in village. Dr. Bavin has pre stamped envelopes posted here. (SW)

1933 Kelly’s lists a Post, M.O., T. & T.E.D. Office. Letters From Grantham. R. Clark Tailor, Parish Clerk.

By 1992 the office was located at the High Street Store, 14 High Street. The actual shop and office are located behind the house on the west side of Water Lane. Subpostmaster in 1992 was Mr. A. Collins. Half day closing was Wednesday. (D) By c1998 Jenny and Tim Cripps were running the business and ran the business to c 2001 when Gordon Andrew was appointed. (S) Business operates as a general stores and off licence.

By 2007 opening hours were 09.00-17.30 MON-FRI 09.00-12.30 SAT. By then the shop had been refitted, the shop area is larger than most shops in a village of this size. The counter is located in the NW corner of the site. In December, 2007 the office was earmarked for closure with an outreach replacement service as part of the 2,500-closure programme.

Information Directories/own information/information from P.O. records by Ken Smith (D). Shop staff (S) S. Witham History Group (SW)

SPALDING

POPULATION 1931 12,592

1849 Post Office Directory P.O. & M.O.O T. North Postmaster. Letters from London in 2.16am, delivered 8.00am. Letters for London, East, South, South-West, West and parts of North/Scotland out 10.15pm. Letters for Hull, Bradford, Bridlington, Grimsby, Driffield, Halifax, Huddersfield, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Rochdale, Wakefield, Ireland and United States out at 2.16am. Money Orders issued 9.00am to 6.00pm.

(OB727) issued.

1933 Kelly’s lists a Post, M.O., T. & T.E.D. Office. Located at Sheep Market. W. Parkin Postmaster & Distributor Of Stamps,

Branch Office, present building mid 1970's has 9 datestamps in 1997.

BOURNE ROAD

1933 Kelly’s lists a Town Sub-Post Tel. Call Office & M.O. Office. E. Lawson Shopkeeper.

Sited on A151 at No. 2 on North side at east end of road near continuation of Winsover Road. One position counter in N.W. corner. cards and confectionery

COMMERCIAL ROAD

1933 Kelly’s lists a Town Sub-Post Tel. & M.O. Office. Located at 25 Commercial Road. G. Lanham Grocer

FULNEY

Sited at 84 Holbeach Road, on north side, in a large convenience store. Two position counter in N.E. corner of eastern part of store. Opening hours in 2007 09.00-13.00 14.00-17.30

HALMER GATE Sited at No. 86 on west side in general store 2 position counter on N.W. corner.

HAWTHORNE ROAD

HIGH STREET

LITTLE LONDON

1933 Kelly’s lists a Post & Tel Call Office. Letters From Spalding. J. Tidswell Shopkeeper. Located at No.8.

On north side of road. One position counter at west end of general stores.

MATMORE GATE

Sited at S.E. corner of Matmore Gate and Stonegate. Modern 1 position counter in S.W. corner of large supermarket type store.

PARK ROAD

WINSOVER ROAD

SPALDING COMMON

1933 Kelly’s lists a Post & Tel Call Office. Letters From Spalding. G. Taylor Wheelwright

Closed c1995. Subpostmistress was in her 80's.

SPALDING MARSH

SPILSBY

POPULATION 1931 1,400

1849 Post Office Directory P.O. & M.O.O. J. Morton Postmaster, printer, bookseller, stationer and bookbinder. Terrace. Letters from London and U.K. in 4.15am out 9.00pm. Registered letters must be given in at window at 7.50pm, box closes 8.20pm. Money Orders granted and paid 9.00am to 6.00pm

(OB728) allocated.

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

Mr. Rattenbury Postmaster in 1945 and Archie Silvester was senior postman c1950’s

Started offering Euros and U.S. Dollars on demand in 2006.

SPITTAL/SPITAL

Spittal was opened by1827 as a money order office and "Post Town". You may wonder why such a small village should have such an important status looking at it today. The reason is that in the 1829 Spittal served the cross traffic between two intersecting coaching routes from Lincoln to Barton (for Hull) and from Gainsborough to Louth and mail would have been transferred as required. Mail was delivered from here to Blyborough, Hemswell and possibly other villages. On 28th January, 1828 an un dated circular datestamp was provided to datestamp mail. Then on 4th July, 1840 and new circular dated datestamp was provided. In White's 1842 Directory Joseph Keyworth is listed as the Postmaster and victualler at the Ostrich Inn and Posting House. Spittal survived long enough to be allocated one of the new circular numbered datestamps, (No. 729) with obliterating bars, provided to frank the new postage stamps. Joseph was still there by 1849 but by then the mail traffic had withered with the replacement of the coaching routes by the use of the railways. The only mail coach that probably arrived by then was the daily mail cart from Lincoln arriving at 7.30am and taking the outward mail at 6.00pm. The office closed on 5th May, 1850 with the Money Order service mentioned in the 1849 Directory being transferred to Kirton Lindsey. By 1855 there were new owners at the Ostrich. We tend to think that things only change in our lifetime but here is a clear example of the growth and decline of a business as a result of technological change.

SPRIDLINGTON

POPULATION 1921 188

P.O. was on the corner opposite the church and was also the Doctors surgery in the living room in the early 1930's. The Post Office was in the corner of the kitchen and you had to go through it to go upstairs to bed. The Subpostmistress c1930's was Mrs. Ann Potage. Later her daughter Mrs. Mark Barker took over. (FH)

1933 Kelly’s lists a Post Office. Letters From Lincoln Mail To Firsby & Saxby. Owner not listed. (D)

Pearsons had P.O. in a cottage now demolished opposite Methodist church and to the south.(MT) Then Johnsons ran P.O. and shop opposite Methodist Chapel (now with large patio door), there by 1966. Site had been three adjoining cottages and southernmost one was converted into a shop premises. (MT) Mr. Kenneth Eastmead was appointed in 1967. He had been the landlord of the Cattle Market Hotel in Lincoln since 1948. He died in May, 1977. His wife Muriel kept the PO and Shop open for a brief time before it was decided to sell the house as a dwelling. With the advent of supermarkets the business was not a going concern. (SE) Vicki Weller was then appointed Subpostmistress and the office moved to the small porch of Sunnymeade, dwelling opposite previous site. Porch was very small, with a hatch to the left as you went in. It was not big enough for two people to go in if one was very plump. She retired and her daughter Karen Weller appointed Subpostmistress c1984-AUG 1986. She received an offer of a job she had always wanted and gave up P.O. at minimum notice. Mrs. Taylor could see fabric of village decaying without a P.O. with a limited bus service and felt morally obliged to reopen it. It is the only place in the village where people can meet or mothers can take their children out to. Mrs Marion Taylor took over as Subpostmistress and reopened at Old Meldrum on 16/12/1986. She had applied to Lincoln in September 1986 but ended up at Grimsby under reorganisation and offered a community office instead of F/T hours. Initially they asked for 14 opening hours a week certain mornings/afternoons, but after negotiation office hours agreed as 10-5 TUE and 10-5 THUR as lunchtime is a changeover time and useful to be open and simple to remember. Mrs. Taylor an ex BT employee would only have P.O. if she could do her personal Girobank business there, so C/A office to Chesterfield. Has a lozenge but felt it a bit much when Area Office asked for a larger name board than that already provided.(MT) Mrs. S. Doar Subpostmistress by 3/1997.

Information SE Stephen Eastmead, FH Fred Hill Heapham, MT Mrs. Taylor

SPRINGTHORPE

From 1892 a wall box was provided with mail being collected at 3.50pm. By 1896 Nehemiah Pike Subpostmaster and Joiner. By 1901 Charles Lidgett, by 1905 Miss Alice Minnitt, by 1909 Charles Stephenson. In 1910 the site was on the North Side of Hill Road in the second door from the West end, now No. 9. By 1911 Mrs Sarah Baxter appointed and she was the last Subpostmistress. Shortly after that date the post box was mounted on a post at the first bend in the road from Heapham to Springthorpe.

STAINBY

POPULATION 1921 228

1933 Kelly’s lists a Post & Tel Call Office Letters From Grantham Miss A. Simms Shopkeeper

STAINFIELD

POPULATION 1921 147

1933 Kelly’s lists a Post & Tel Call Office (Telegrams Despatched But Not Delivered). Letters From Lincoln. Mrs. R. Cartwright Cowkeeper.

Closed c1984/1985 Subpostmaster Bardney

STALLINGBOROUGH

POPULATION, 1841 437, 1851 516, 1861, 433, 1871 461, 1881 483, 1891 448, 1901 420, 1911 469, 1921 508, 1931 546

Post office thought to have opened on 20^th December, 1847, when an undated circle date stamp was provided. The P.O. directory of 1849 lists the Subpostmaster as George Limb. Mail was delivered from Grimsby at 9.00am and despatched at 4.00pm. The village school was erected in 1847 and by 1855 William Hardy was the school master and also the postmaster. As both the school and post office were opened in 1847 the probability is that the post office was located in the school from the outset. William’s wife Mary was also a teacher at the school and may well have assisted with the post office. By 1855 mail arrived at 11.15 and despatched at 6.40pm but by May 1856 the mail arrangements were altered and mail was received from Ulceby at 9.20am and despatched at 5.00pm. An undated circle date stamp including Ulceby was provided in 1858. By 1868 mail was despatched at 5.17pm and the office was also allowed to conduct Government Annuity and Insurance Business. This is very unusual as usually offices that conducted this type of business also dealt with Savings Bank as well. By 1872 Mr. Hardy had also taken on the role of Parish Clerk as well as school and post masters, mail now arrived at 9.10am and despatched at 4.55pm. (4.45 by 1876). White’s 1882 directory makes no mention of Hardy and the mail times were 9.05am and 4.45pm. Probably after Hardy the Post Office moved to the railway station as Charles Blackburn was stationmaster here by 1882 and by 1885 he had been appointed mail receiver. A rubber date stamp was provided in 1887 and by 1889 mail was delivered at 9.25am and despatched at 4.45pm. 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/-. The rubber date stamp would probably have been provided to cancel these. Certainly by 1889 Postal Orders could be issued at the office and also the specific reference to Government Annuity and Insurance Business had been deleted.

By 1892 mail was arriving at 9.02am and despatched at 4.45. On 1^st July, 1892 Stallingborough was given the status of one of the few full sub-offices. Sealed bags of mail would be sent to Stallingborough directly from all over the country and not via a head office. The address would have been just Stallingborough S.O. (or R.S.O.) Lincs. By 1896 mail was arriving at 7.06am and despatched at 5.40pm. By 1900 Charles Arthur Williamson had been appointed Subpostmaster. He was also a boot and shoe maker. His mother? Sarah is listed as running the business in 1892 and Arthur had taken over by 1896. Mail arrived at 7.06am and 3.30pm and despatched at 6.25pm. On 24^th July, 1900 the office started dealing with telegrams (code XBO) and from 2^nd December, 1901 the status of the office was further raised by the inclusion of Money Order and Savings Bank Business. Then on 1^st September, 1902 the S.O. status was revised and mail was again delivered from and despatched to Grimsby. The 1905 Kelly’s directory still refers to the office as a S.O. with Post, Money Order, Telegraph Office, Telegraph Money Orders, Express Delivery, Savings Bank and Annuity and Insurance services offered. Mail arrived at 6.11am, 6.54am and 3.30pm (3.35pm by 1909) and despatched at 6.40pm. No mail was delivered on Sundays. By 1913 James Cox had been appointed Subpostmaster. He was possibly the brother of Charles Cox shopkeeper and carrier. Mail arrived from Grimsby at 6.08am, 6.54am and 3.30pm and despatched at 6.40pm. No mail was delivered on Sundays. However, from 1^st December, 1914, Stallingborough was given the statues of a Post Town, able to deal with it’s mail directly similar to the previous S.O. status. By 1919 the Subpostmaster had again changed and Frederick Robinson had taken over at his existing shop business. Between 1926 and 1930 the Cox family again took over control of the post office with Mrs. Mary Edna Cox running the post office with a newsagent’s. The telephone number was Keelby No.1. She continued to be in charge until at least 1937. By June, 1938 the Post Town Status which had been in force until 1937 was removed and mail was again controlled by Grimsby. Recent verbal history reports state that the early site was in old terraced house, now demolished which was situated on almost the same site as the current post office. The P.O. moved to what is now "Ye Olde Newspapers" at west end of village. I am not though clear how this relates to the Cox’s/ Robinson’s operations. I have seen a photograph, probably when James Cox was in charge of the P.O., located in the easternmost house of a terrace of five houses just east of a chapel.

Present purpose built P.O. and shop built 1973. c1974 P.O. moved to this site. M. Rann was owner in 1977. Sorting office with 1 round until concentrated onto Immingham. Barry was the Subpostmaster by 1999. Office has a one-position counter located in the west side of the shop. General stores but not newspapers. Office proposed for transfer in May, 2002 and new Subpostmistress from August – Mrs. Tammy Walker.

Information - Directories/own Information, including discussion with Subpostmaster in 1989/Information from P.O. records by Ken Smith. RECEIPT 17/2/1977 M. Rann

STAMFORD

POPULATION 1931 9,946

1849 Post Office Directory P.O. & M.O.O. Richard Capon Reynolds Postmaster. High Street. Letters from London by train in 2.15am, delivered 7.00am and day mail in at 3.55pm delivered 4.15pm. Mail to London out 11.30pm and 5.45am. Letters from Newark and North and West in 12.55am out 1.30pm.

1933 Kelly’s lists a Post & M.O., T. & T.E.D. Office. Located at All Saints' Place

Article on Stamford Mercury postmarks GSM May, 1997

BENTLEY STREET

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

Closed 19/7/85 (ODRH)

CASTERTON ROAD

KESTEVEN ROAD

RYHALL ROAD

1933 Kelly’s lists a Town SubPost & M.O. Office. W. Steadman Shopkeeper. Located at No.60,

On 11th December, 2007 the office the one office in South Lincolnshire that was reprieved from closure as part of the 2,500-closure programme.

"B" circular datestamp in use c2/1999.

ST. MARTIN'S

1933 Kelly’s lists a Town Sub-Post & M.O. Office. H. Hackett Grocer. Located at 13 High Street,

Closed 29/3/85 (ODRH)

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

STAPLEFORD

STICKFORD

POPULATION 1921 404

1933 Kelly’s lists a Post & Tel Call Office. Letters From Boston. A. Wakely Grocer

The post office was burnt down and closed c1980.(S)

Information Stickford Historical Society (S)

STICKNEY

POPULATION 1921 617

1849 Post Office Directory P.O. Eliza Blay receiver. Letters from Boston in 6.00am out 7.45pm.

(OB96 until 1874), Earliest P.O. in house in Churchyard now demolished and site of war memorial run by Widow Bray nee Lovell. She was also the sexton. Local vicar wrote to ask P.O. to increase her salary at one stage. Moved c1900 to "The Old Post Office" to the north of present site. Office later moved to site south of present one just south of Wesleyan chapel. Moved to present site by? and run by Plant family. Large concern deliveries, shop had lift from basement stores to ground floor.

1933 Kelly’s lists a Post, M.O., T. & T.E.D. Office. Mail To Midville. Owner not listed (D).

Rare letterbox. Later run by Mr. Gills. Mailwork office to c1985. Probably ceased when Keith V. R. Bradley was appointed about the same time. He and his wife Jan extensively modernised the property in 1988 to a VG convenience store. A one-position counter is fitted in the S.E. corner of the property and the shop has an entry door and an exit door and operates as a general stores. The basic range of Post Office Services is offered (D). Gary Wooding appointed c1995 with his wife Linda. He died c2000 and Linda continued to run business until her new Partner, Alan Harrison was appointed on 1^st April, 2005 (W).

Opening hours from April, 2005 09.00-14.00 Monday/Tuesday, 09.00-13.00 Wednesday/Thursday/Friday, 09.00-12.00 Saturday.

Mail times

2005 Dispatched 4.30pm Monday-Friday, 10.15 Saturday and 10.30 Sunday.

Information Myself and business directories (D)Linda Wooding (W)

STIXWOLD

POPULATION 1921 175

1933 Kelly’s lists a Post Office. Letters From Lincoln. Owner not listed

closed c1983, was in front room of house opposite and to N.E. of church. Was on that site for about 25 years and prior to that in the forge opposite church to west, closed in mysterious circumstances, postmistress claimed to have been robbed,

STOKE ROCHFORD

POPULATION 1921 434

An undated circular datestamp was provided in May, 1854 and a rubber datestamp was provided (S). Former site was in a thatched house on opposite site of the road now demolished and site part of A1.

1933 Kelly’s lists a Post & Tel Call Office. Letters From Grantham. A. Parker Parish Clerk, Shopkeeper.

Present site in general stores on south side of the road, which leads to main part of the village. Mr. Eley was appointed as Subpostmaster c1983-1990 (C). D. Connors was in post in 1992 (D) and Jan Connors Subpostmistress in 2003

Information (S) Ken Smith from P.O. Records, (C) J. Connors

STOW

Prior to 1958 the office was located on a site now occupied by a bungalow. In 1958 the office moved across the road to the next house to the west of the Post Office. In 1962 it moved to the east of village since when property built. This is the site it occupied in the 1990’s. In 1972 the retail activity was abandoned and the office was mostly post office work only. Not a mailwork office.

STRUBBY

POPULATION 1881 289, 1891 270, 1901 215, 1911 201, 1921 207, 1931 187

According to Post Office Records the office is thought to have opened in 1875. Mail was received from and dispatched to Alford. The 1882 White’s Directory lists a Post Office offering basic services with Joseph Robert Janney as Subpostmaster, farmer and shopkeeper. The directory also mentions that a messenger brought the mail rather than say a mailcart. By 1896 (Joseph) William Janney had taken over and as well as Subpostmaster was listed as a farmer and shopkeeper. He was probably Joseph’s son? 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 supplied in 1896 would probably have been provided to cancel these. Certainly by 1896 Postal Orders could be issued at the office. By 1905 William was also acting as a sexton and Postal Orders could be issued and paid. By 1919 Janney was also listed as an overseer. The 1933 Kelly’s lists a Post & Tel Call Office (Telegrams Despatched But Not Delivered), the telephone number was Alford 58X. Janney continues his appointment until at least 1937. By then the telephone number had been altered to Withern 217. Janney probably continued until the office closed between 1941 and 1946. Strubby R.A.F. P.O. opened c1943 and probably replaced Strubby. The R.A.F. P.O. closed c1945. Strubby reopened by 1957 but may have opened in 1945 so a continuous postal service was provided in the village. (D)

According to local recollections the Post Office was sited at Manor court, a large Victorian (?) house. P.O. was in room to north of side entrance to house. (M) Mrs. Janice Powell was Sub Postmistress there for at least 20 years.(B) (have seen photo of her outside P.O. at Manor Court). House was converted during war into flats.(M) According to the Post Office gazette of 10^th October, 1973 the office closed in 1973. (D) Another local resident thought Elsham’s had Post Office before it closed. (O)

Information Mrs. Brooks(B), Manor Court(M), Mrs. Morton (O), Directories/own Information, information from P.O. records by Ken Smith (D)

Mail times received despatched

By 1882 08.45 4.45pm Summer, 3.45 winter

By 1889 08.00 5.30pm (probably 4.30 Winter)

By 1896 08.45 5.30pm Summer, 4.30 winter Not Sunday (probably never was)

By 1900 08.00 5.30pm Summer, 4.30 winter Not Sunday

By 1905 08.00 5.40pm Summer, 4.40 winter Not Sunday

By 1909 08.15 5.30pm Summer, 4.30 winter Not Sunday

By 1913 08.15 5.10pm Not Sunday

STRUBBY R.A.F. P.O.

Strubby R.A.F. P.O. opened c1943 and probably replaced Strubby. The R.A.F. P.O. closed c1945.

STURTON-BY-STOW

POPULATION 1921 539

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

Office did mailwork,

STURTON-LE-STEEPLE (Notts)

STURTON/STURTON-BY-SCAWBY

SUDBROOK

1933 Kelly’s lists a Post & T. Office. Letters From Grantham. C. Scoffield Shopkeeper. (D)

Early site of P.O. was in the White house to 3 doors to south of present site next to Hoynton? cottage. Was a shop as well then, run by Schofield's (Scoffield?) In 1962 P.O. was in 3rd council house run by Mrs. Burrell in her living room with section curtained off. Mrs. Winnifred Kime Subpostmistress from c1966 in last cottage to north opposite present site. Heather Mant Subpostmistress since early in 1980. They took it on at 3 days notice, Mr. Mant made a counter from an oak table and they had to get exemption from planning permission. P.O. situated at rear of house, which is set back from the road with a post box at the entrance. Customer waiting area and Mr. Mant had a great game fitting the screen with half width door supplied to him as a kit in about 1988. They used to have a post office sign on the main road until the chairman of the road safety committee knocked it down! It now rests outside the kitchen window. Used to be a full-time office but had hoped to sell up. Mrs. Mant had given her notice but then sale fell through with increase in interest rates. Post Office magnanimously agreed to retract her resignation in 1988 to community hours only. Now open Tuesday and Thursday mornings, 4 hours each. Stock office to Peterborough, datestamp 8/38. Strange arrangement with Registered letters/rems etc. She used to have a key to postbox, postman used to sign for items and leave book in box so that she could retrieve it. Then Royal Mail changed the lock on the box but said nothing to Mrs Mant. Now the postman has to bring the registered book to the house after he has signed it and Area Office supplied 2 or 3 books in case he forgets. She is also now unable to accept parcels as postman doesn't call. Information from HM

SURFLEET

POPULATION 1921 1,119

1849 Post Office Directory P.O. J. Harrison receiver and shopkeeper. Letters from Spalding in ? out ?

1933 Kelly’s lists a Post & Tel Call Office. Letters From Spalding J. Williams Shopkeeper.

Office located opposite Church in Gosberton Road. By 2007 office moved to fishing tackle shop on north side of Station Road not far from junction with A16. One position office in N.W. corner of building.

SUTTERTON

POPULATION pre 1841 1093, 1841 1303, 1851 1445, 1861, 1338, 1871 1436, 1881 920*, 1891 821, 1901 861, 1911 885, 1921 934, 1931 1014, *The parish of Sutterton also included a separate area or 2700 acres of Holland Fen which became part of Amberhill on 20/12/1880.

A post office existed in Sutterton by 1823 as by this date a "SUTTERTON/Penny Post" straight-line mark was in use for mail delivered locally for an additional charge. This mark was replaced by a "Sutterton Lincolns./Penny Post" straight-line mark which was issued on 14/01/1841. An undated circular date stamp was provided on 09/02/1843.

By 1849 John Muse is recorded as being the village postmaster/receiver and also boot maker. Mail came from Boston. By 1855 mail deliveries were altered to come from Spalding and by 1861 it arrived at 8.30am (07.30 by 1868) and dispatched at 6pm. The office was authorised to conduct Money Order and Savings Bank business on 1/08/1871 and by 1876 a telegraph had been installed. The 1872 directory lists Muse as a shoemaker and by 1882 just postmaster.(DIR) Miss Agnes Muse was postmistress by action if not by appointment.(MA) By 1882 mail arrived at 7.10am (7.30am by 1885) and dispatched at 6pm and 11.30am on Sundays. Money Order and Savings Bank Business was between 9.00am and 5pm and Saturday 9.00 to 8pm. Telegraphs were dealt with 8am-8pm weekdays and 8-10am on Sunday.

From 1/06/1886 mails again came from Boston with by 1889 the times being received at 5.45am and dispatched at 7.30pm. By this date Annuity and Insurance Business could also be conducted and George Henry Barber had been appointed as receiver.(DIR) They came from Swineshead. (BH) Miss Alice Barber was postmistress by action if not by appointment.(MA) By 1892 times had been altered to 5.55am in and 7.40pm out (6.50pm Sundays). In common with other similar offices by 1896 Telegraph Money Orders and Express Delivery could be dealt with. Mail arrived at 5.45am and 5.30pm (callers to office only) and dispatched at 7.40pm (6.40pm Sundays). A wall letter box near the station had also now been provided emptied at 5pm (10.30 Sundays). By 1900 Parcel Post had been introduced and mail times altered to in 6am and 5.30pm (callers only) and out 7.30pm (10.20 Sundays).(DIR)

Site of Post Office by 1905 (photo taken 1927), in the easternmost house at the end of Post Office Lane at the junction with Boston Road. The small lean-to building at the rear of the house was the P.O. with the door facing the footpath. This space is now a garage with entry from behind)(MA)

Lincolnshire Post Offices - Sutterton Post Office, 1927

By 1909 times were in 5.45am and 5.15pm (5.20pm 1913) and the wallbox was emptied at 6.45pm (10.20am Sundays). By 1913 mail was dispatched at 7.40pm (6.50pm Sundays). By 1926 Mr. Barber was also referred to as a shopkeeper.(DIR)

c.1934-1935 the Post Office moved to the opposite side of the road to Mr. Bill Ingram's new house. This had a purpose built room on the east for the P.O. and a sorting office behind. The telephone exchange was also in the plot of land to the east of the house. Unfortunately Mr. Ingram Died within a year.

So in 1935 John Edward Atkin (Ted) was appointed Subpostmaster and the business sold stationery. At this time the Post Office moved back across the road to the house adjacent the where the office had been earlier. The small room that had been a cobbler's workshop was adapted. The original door was bricked up, the post box sited there and a new door made at the west side of the building. Behind the post office a former dairy became the sorting office. The telephone number was 241.(DIR etc) Later it also became the labour exchange for the district.

Mr. and Mrs. Atkin outside their office in 1936.

Lincolnshire Post Offices, Sutterton, 1936

P.O. Van DYP943 with Harry Barnatt (driver), Ted Atkin and Ted Glenn (cyclists) (date unknown)

Lincolnshire Post Offices, Postmen with post van at Sutterton

During Atkin's time Sutterton received mail from Boston by 6 a.m. Once the mail was sorted the driver then delivered to part of Algarkirk, all of Fosdyke and part of Dowdyke. He also emptied the out-lying letterboxes. Two other cycle rounds delivered in the village, the main part of Algarkirk, most of Dowdyke and Fishmere End. Sutterton was the Telegraph Delivery Office for Sutterton and Algarkirk as covering for Fosdyke and Wigtoft on their half day closing. Telegrams to flower growers sited at Golden Drove on the outskirts of Swineshead or to Fosdyke Bridge were dreaded as these were 8 mile round trips on bicycles! At least it was flat!

Photo of Archie Quincey, Harry Barnatt, Ted Glenn and Ted Atkin (no longer a postman). Taken in 1957 at the same time as a presentation to Mr. Barnatt. The van in 1957 was LUL319.(MA)

Lincolnshire Post Offices, postmen and Subpostmaster at Sutterton

In 1964 Mr. Atkin retired for health reasons in 1964 and P.O. again moved across the road to the present site in general stores since. The site used to be a bakery for the previous 17 years but George Trueman gave it up to be Subpostmaster.(MA) Mail work continued to c1982-1984. Two part-time and one full-time postmen delivering to village and to Algarkirk and Fosdyke. Bernard Hildred then became Subpostmaster in 1977.(BH)

Information (DIR)- Directories/own Information/Information from P.O. records by Ken Smith. MA- Margaret Atkin who also provided the images. BH- B. Hildred

SUTTON/SUTTON-ON-SEA

POPULATION 1921 1,605

R.S.O. postmark EVIII years, In 1900 Subpostmaster was Mr. David Thomas. (H)

1933 Kelly’s lists a Post, M.O., T. & T.E.D. Office. Located in the High Street. W. Thomas Stationer

Mr. Thomas, David's son or grandson? was Subpostmaster between 1949-1951. The shop also sold fancy goods.(H) Mr. Gary Davies Subpostmaster until c 4/2001. Current Subpostmistress Mrs. Ayrton

Started offering Euros and U.S. Dollars on demand in 2006.

Information Mrs. Hill Heapham (H).

SEA LANE SUTTON-ON-SEA

By 1913 Post Office, Mr. Frederick Riggall Subpostmaster, box cleared 8.30 and 7pm. By 1926 Post Office, Miss Hilda B. Meredith Sub postmistress, also a stationer. By 1930 Post Office, Mrs Martha Fleming sub postmistress and stationer continued to at least 1937.(K) P.O. was sited by 2ww at Grange and Links site (M,E) in small shop and post office where self contained garage and bedrooms now are. Sold sweets. When lady who ran it retired P.O. moved to present site at existing shop run by Mr. & Mrs. Musgrove who had come from Nottingham and taken shop over from Mr. & Mrs. Thomas. This was during the war or shortly after. Then Mr. & Mrs. King ran it between 1948 and 1951 when Roland Mason was appointed and ran it until he died in 1979. The 1953 floods saw water 4 feet deep in shop ebbing with each tide. Originally house was double fronted and the shop was housed in a westerly extension. Then western front room was converted into a shop was the original bay window left in place at first. At the same time the P.O. counter was moved to the east wall. From 1979 until 1982 Mr. Mason's daughter, Mrs. Barker was Subpostmistress. Then Mr. & Mrs. Rickell ran it. They converted the eastern front room into a cafe but only stayed about 2 years. (M) Business then passed to Mr. & Mrs. Sue Pickett (Sub postmistress) and Mr. Scott. (E) Mr. Scott went away with Mrs. Pickett and Eileen was appointed on 21st July, 1989. At that time office was reduced to community status open MON-FRI 9-1 and MON & THUR 2-4. Still C/A office. General stores selling newspapers. A cafe restaurant is also part of the property. Shop closed at 4pm to accommodate this. From 21^st August,2002 Wendy Longden, from Berkshire, appointed Subpostmistress assisted by her father. Prior to her appointment restaurant area had been converted to shop space for pet foods. (L)

Datestamp stolen on 13^th May, 1985. A temporary replacement was provided until a new datestamps was supplied on 8^th July, 1985 omitting Mablethorpe and having a figure 1 indicator.

Information Mr. Mason (M), Eileen Subpostmistress (E) W. Longden (L)

SUTTON BRIDGE

POPULATION 1921 2,837

1849 Post Office Directory P.O. B. Welsh postmaster and druggist. Letters from Long Sutton in 9.00am out 3.30pm.

(OB961 1885 allocated),

1933 Kelly’s lists a Post, M.O., T. & T.E.D. Office. Letters From Wisbech. W. Humphries Printer. Office located in Bridge Road

SUTTON ST. EDMUNDS

POPULATION, 1841 776, 1851 757, 1861, 757, 1871 734, 1881 676, 1891 645, 1901 ???, 1911 652, 1921 677, 1931 695

Known as Sutton until the 1860’s the St. Edmunds was added to the directory entries by 1868. This was probably a response to the growth of Sutton-On-Sea as a holiday resort. For a village of this size a post office was a late arrival, not being opened until 1878. Another post office was also opened in the parish but not until even later - See Throckenholt. By 1882 Mrs. Matilda Lamb was listed as the postmaster and also grocer, baker and butcher. The post office was located in Broadgate and mail arrived from Wisbech at 8am and despatched at 5pm (7am and 6.30pm by 1885). A rubber date stamp was provided in 1887. 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/-. The rubber date stamp would probably have been provided to cancel these. Certainly by 1889 Postal Orders could be issued at the office. The directories of 1900 and 1905 both state that there was not a mail delivery on Sundays. By 1900 the status of the office had been enhanced as the office could now also conduct Savings Bank, Annuity and Insurance Business and issue and pay money and postal orders. By 1909 Maltilda Lamb was still listed as a grocer but Matthew Lamb (her son?) had taken over as Subpostmaster. By 1913 mail arrived at 6.35am and 6.45pm (callers only) and despatched at 6.45pm still with no delivery on Sundays. However, very unusually the directory states that the office was closed every day between 10.00 and 2pm except Wednesday when the office was open from 8.00 to 1pm. This pattern is continued as the 1919 directory states that there is no Sunday delivery and the office was open from 9.00 to 12.00 and 2pm to 6pm and Wednesday 8.00 to 1pm. Matthew Lamb is also listed as a farmer. He continues as Subpostmaster until at least 1930. By 1933 the office was acting as a telephone call office. In October, 1937 the mail arrangements were altered so that mail was delivered from and despatched to Hobeach and from August 1942 the mail was again altered to Spalding. The office closed on 12^th August, 1988.

Information - Directories/own Information/Information from P.O. records by Ken Smith.

SUTTON ST. JAMES

POPULATION 1921 676

1849 Post Office Directory Letters received through Tydd Gowt Post Office by a post boy. A 2d. charge was made for delivery.

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

Mrs. Jean M. Garner Subpostmistress in 1992. Office sited at 66 Chapelgate. Half day closing Wednesday. (D) Jean has been there for many years. (P)

Sited at the rear of a house on the north side of the road. Has been owned by the same family for 40 years.

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

SWABY

POPULATION, 1881 414, 1891 364, 1901 305, 1911 274, 1921 255, 1931 211

According to Post Office records the office probably opened in 1875. The 1882 White’s Directory lists a Post Office offering basic services run by Mrs Eliza Brumpton. Mail was delivered from and dispatched to Alford with the 1896 Directory mentioning that a mail cart was used. 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 supplied in 1888 would probably have been provided to cancel these. Certainly by 1896 Postal Orders could be issued at the office. The range of services was further extended on 3^rd April, 1900 when a telegraph was installed (code XWY). In addition to telegraph the 1900 Directory also lists Express Delivery Services being offered. The 1901 census lists her as Subpostmistress, her daughter Emma as a telegraph Clerk and her son Thomas as a clock cleaner and repairer. (C) By 1905 Telegraphic Express Delivery was also offered and the Directory also lists Eliza’s middle name as Martha. The 1909 Directory mentions that mail was being collected by bicycle. And by 1919 a telephone had been installed. Between 1919 and 1922 Eliza was replaced by Emma Brumpton her daughter. (D) Local recollections was that she was there in the early 1920's and the office and telephone exchange was located on Main Road in what is now "Post Box Cottage". (X)

The 1930, 1933 and 1937 Kelly’s list a Post, Telegraph and Telegraphic Express Delivery Office but no owner is listed. (D)

The office later moved further S.E. down road, but not sure whether before or after 1933, to a new site, now demolished. Miss Parsons ran the office located in a old canvas army hut - no electricity, paraffin lamps. She was quite a character. Mr. Dixon remembers she had a sign on the counter "I'm fed up". No Telephone exchange by then. She died suddenly and they sent a car out from Louth to give pensions through the window. Mrs. Dixon was appointed Subpostmistress c1970. Basic Post Office services were offered except that no National Savings Bank business was conducted. (X) The office was located halfway down Pinfold Lane on the N.W. side. A purpose built area was provided at the front of the house. The office closed on 5^th June, 1992.

Mail times received despatched

By 1882 09.30 5.00pm Summer, 4.00 winter

By 1889 08.30 5.00pm Summer, 4.00 winter

By 1896 07.35 5.45pm Summer, 5.15 winter

By 1900 07.35 5.30pm Summer, 5.00 winter

By 1909 07.45 5.55pm Not Sunday (probably never on a Sunday)

By 1913 07.40 5.55pm Not Sunday

Information Mrs. Dixon (X), 1901 census (C), Directories/own Information, information from P.O. records by Ken Smith (D)

SWALLOW

POPULATION 1921 186

1849 Post Office Directory P.O. J. Lawrence receiver and blacksmith. Letters by foot post from Caistor in 12.30am out 2.00pm.

1933 Kelly’s lists a Post Office. Letters From Lincoln. Owner not listed

SWATON

POPULATION 1921 334

1933 Kelly’s lists a Post & Tel Call Office. Letters From Billingborough. Pile & Chapman Grocers. (D)

Post Office located in the village shop. Closed 25^th January, 1990. (P)

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

SWAYFIELD

POPULATION 1921 173

The 1871 Census for Swayfield, lists George Grummitt as living with his second Wife Mary Ann Grummitt in the Post Office, Swayfield. George was a shoemaker as well as Subpostmater. By the time of the 1881 Census, George was living with his third Wife elsewhere in Swayfield. It is unlikely that he had any other connection with the Post Office after that. His second Wife Mary Ann Grummitt had died after the1871 Census had been taken. Prior to 1871, George and Mary lived in Corby Glen, Lincolnshire. The 1851 and 1861 Censuses show that his occupation was a Messenger as well as a ShoeMaker. (G)

At a later date the office was sited at 21 High Street probably since inception although this may not be true. Mary Wright early Subpostmistress her husband was a postman. Then her daughter(?) Elizabeth Alice Spencer took over probably shortly after 1918. She continued to run the office until she was in her 80's. It was a non C/A office then. (S)

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

Mrs. Betty Spencer Subpostmistress since December, 1963. After 2 years she was asked to convert the office to a C/A office and now conducts NSB and Girobank business. P.O. was sited in a room and conducted P.O. business only. Continued as a mail work office until c1970. Mail was then delivered from Corby on a round including Birkholme and Swayfield. This ceased by 1988 and mail now comes from Grantham. About 1989 Mrs. Spencer decided to semi retire and it became a community office opening 9.00-12.45 on Mon, Tue, Thur and Friday. Office moved to 21 High Street on 12th October, 1990. Sited in kitchen with hatchway in door to rear hall. Rem from Boston. Mrs. Spencer had problems with pivot errors in 1991. This concerned her as she aims to do a good job. After a visit from Area Office she was able to master the problem. Planned to move office to utility room of new bungalow at 19 High Street between old and new sites. (street was numbered to anticipate vacant plots being built on) by end of 1992/early 1993. Datestamp 9/32

Information Keith Grummitt (G)Mr. & Mrs. Spencer (S)

SWINDERBY

POPULATION 1921 427

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

Mailwork office former Subpostmistress Heather Donegan died 1993. Mrs. P. Melton Subpostmistress on 26/3/1996

SWINDERBY R.A.F. STATION

SWINESHEAD

POPULATION 1921 1,895

1849 Post Office Directory P.O. Mrs. M. Spring receiver. Letters from Spalding in 10.00am out 5.05pm.

Early site was in Market Place. Office then moved to current site.(W) In 2005 P.O. enamel plate describing services offered was still in situ so office had probably moved there by 1930’s.

1933 Kelly’s lists a Post, M.O., T. & T.E.D. Office. Letters From Boston. A. Routen Stationer. (D)

Later Mr. Wilson was Subpostmaster and mailwork was conducted in his time from a sorting office to the rear of the property. Mailwork is thought to have ceased during his appointment. Ilene Cousins and Audrey then took over. Mrs Pauline Brown was then appointed with her husband Mike. They were appointed c1988 (W) but were definitely there in 1992 (D). Richard Webb was appointed early in 1998 assisted by his wife Sue. They had previously run a smaller Post Office with a larger shop in Scotland. (W) The office offers the basic range of services plus vehicle licensing. A two-position counter is sited on the west wall with a greetings card and stationery retail business. Opening hours in 2005 were 09.00-17.30 Monday to Friday except 09.00-12.45 Wednesday. Saturday 09.00-12.00.

Mail times

2005 dispatched 4.30pm , Saturday 10.30, Sunday 10.15.

Indformation Business Directories (D) Richard & Sue Webb (W)

SWINSTEAD

POPULATION 1921 276

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

SYSTON

1849 Post Office Directory P.O. W. Rycroft receiver. Letters from Grantham in 8.30am out 5.30pm.

TALLINGTON

POPULATION 1921 236

Mrs. Kave had the P.O. in 1920 and had it for 7 years. Was in a house across the main road from Tennyson Cottage. Mrs Pycock then had it for many years at the present site until she retired and died shortly after. (OS)

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

Mrs Olive Sexton took over P.O., probably in July, 1957, and moved it from present site to Tennyson cottage a former thatched pub to the west of the village on the corner of the junction. They had moved there to retire and her husband an accountant was surprised that she wanted to take on a post office at 62 years of age. Her husband wasn't a well man and they had three sons at university. A small annexe was built on for P.O. Husband did the balance. P.O. only, remembers selling plenty of insurance stamps, saving certificates and franked all outgoing mail. She used to let customers frank their own first day covers so if they didn't make a clear impression if was their own fault. Two burglaries occurred during her time. She enjoyed running the P.O. very much though the postman’s strike of 1961 gave her problems with getting money and sorting out the accounts. The auditors came one day and though she was £5,000 out. Mrs. S. said this wasn't possible but after another check they came to the same conclusion. They then went through the items one by one with her and found they had counted three batches of saving certificates as 2 as one had got caught behind the other. She gave them a right talking to! Eventually decided to retire, the decision hastened by the changes taking place. She was quite cleaver about it though and eventually an agreement was made and she was made redundant and received some compensation. Mrs S. not impressed by how the head office staff used to talk down to her. One day they rang her to ask her if she had checked her remittance and if it was Ok. She said she had no complaints and before she could elaborate they had slammed the phone down and not been very civil about it. They rang back in the afternoon and again asked her if her rem was OK. She said yes and asked them why they wanted to know. They said they were looking for £100. She said she had it, to which they were dumbfounded and had spent all day ringing various offices. She explained that they hadn't asked her if it was correct just whether she was satisfied and in a very off hand tone. If they had asked whether it was correct she would have told them but as they treated her in that way she gave them a similar response. (OS)

Mrs. Helena Shilling moved P.O. to her and her husband’s general stores in Feb 1988. Community office Mon, Tue, Thur, Fri am official hours but people expect her to be open the same as the shop hours. Area office Wisbech, mail comes from Stamford though most outgoing mail franked at Peterborough.(HS)

INFORMATION from Olive Sexton (OS) and Helena Shilling (HS)

TATHWELL

POPULATION 1841 365, 1851 429, 1861 405, 1871 414, 1881 422, 1891 420, 1901 372, 1911 343, 1921 280, 1931 283

According to Post Office Records an undated circular datestamp was supplied to the office on 5^th July, 1849 which is probably when the office opened. The 1855 Post Office Directory lists a Post Office offering basic services run by Charles Skipworth who was also a Diocesan schoolmaster.(D) Charles was born in Raithby and his wife Jane wasborn in Gt. Steeping. They lived in the schoolhouse and Jane was a schoolmistress. They had two daughters Elizabeth and Maria (ES). Mail was delivered from and dispatched to Louth.Post Office records state that the office closed in or after 1849 but was restablished in 1861. The 1861 Directory only mentions Schoolmaster but the 1868 Directory again mentions School and Post Master. Probably the office closed after 1855 but details of the Directory were submitted before the office opened again in 1861. After 1872 later directories quote Skipworth as a land surveyor (1876 and 1885), collector (1882), land surveyor, assessor and collector of taxes (1892 White), and land surveyor and overseer (1892 Kelly). (D) By 1881 Charles’ daughter Elizabeth was assisting him in the Post Office but had left home by 1891 probably to get married. In 1881 Charles was aged 62 and between 1891 and 1901 Charles died, probably prior to 1896. (ES) In 1894 a rubber datestamp was supplied to the office. Normally these were supplied when the office commenced issuing (but not paying) Postal Orders. The Directories do not mention this facility being available at Tathwell until 1900.By 1896 his widow Jane had been appointed Subpostmistress (D). However, as she was born in 1819 the same year as Charles, she would already be 77 and by 1900 she had retired. The location of the office moved to a house on a bend on the east side of the road before it climbs out of the village to join the Louth to Boston Road.

Kelly’s Directory of 1900 lists John Richard Pridgeon as Subpostmaster and shopkeeper. The range of facilities was extended to include a Telegraph, a telephone call office and an Express Delivery Office. According to Post Office records the Telegraph was installed on 3^rd April, 1900 (Code TWQ). It is unusual for a village of this size to have had a telegraph installed. By 1905 the office could issue and pay postal orders and John was listed as a shopkeeper, farmer and wheelwright. By 1919 the listing was farmer and P.O. and by 1926 just farmer. It is likely though that the office changed hands in 1925 or 1926 as the 1926 Directory shows Thomas Kent Howard as Subpostmaster but he is not listed in the business list. The 1930 Directory does not specify an owner but does mention that the office now offered a Telegraph Express Delivery service. By 1933 Mrs. Anne Howard had taken over from Thomas as Subpostmistress and Grocer and Thomas was listed as a coal merchant. The 1937 directory indicates the same but no later directories are available (D). In later years the office was probably run by the Misses Pridgeon (two sisters). They lived in the adjoining house in 1968. Then Mr Blades (from Scamblesby) took over (DC). In the final years Mr. Blades ran Tathwell but lived in Scamblesby. He was the local postman in Tathwell (EB). According to Post office records the office was closed on 30^th November, 1983 (D).

Mail times received despatched

By 1855 08.30 5.30pm

By 1868 07.30 5.10pm

By 1885 07.30 5.00pm Summer, 4.45 winter

By 1900 07.15 5.10pm

By 1900 07.15 5.10pm No Sunday Delivery (probably never was)

By 1913 07.50 and noon 8.00am and 5.30pm No Sunday Delivery

Information - D. Coulam (DC), EB Scamblesby (EB) Directories/own Information/Information from P.O. records by Ken Smith/NFSP receipts. (D) Elizabeth Skipworth (ES)

TATTERSHALL

1933 Kelly’s lists a 637

1933 Kelly’s lists a Post, M.O. & Tel Call Office. Letters From Lincoln. Miss E. Key Shopkeeper.

Early site at present Chaos shop located on the south side of Market Place at eastern end. Miss Key was Subpostmistress until her death. Then P.O. moved to Wayside on N. Side of road to w. of Market Place. Mrs. Milhouse was Subpostmistress and office was just a post office with some greetings cards. She resigned to get married to Mr. Wealham. Mr. Hoyland Barrack (Bert) was appointed Subpostmaster when P.O. moved to current site in an existing general store on the east side of Market Place in September, 1963. When he took over there was no safe or screen. The counter was initially installed near the right hand door of the building. Later the counter was moved to the back north East corner. c1985 the northern half of the building was sold to the Spar chain and the confectionery, stationery off license and tobacco section together with the P.O. retained in the southern half. The counter was moved to the present site in the north east corner of the remaining building. After 3 days the Spar decided they didn't want the news business and returned it. Spar later sold the business on to the supermarket group Somerfields and the Super- market continues to be a draw for the surrounding area. Coningsby has a large RAF base and since 1963 136 houses were built on Castlefields and later 360 houses at Clinton Park. Shortly after Hoyland took over a group of Ukrainians were based in the village clearing mines. They posted postal orders and later registered cash each week to their families. The air force wives were also using the post office on Tuesday to collect their Child Benefit and on Thursday to collect their Group 3 RAF marriage allowances. They would also pick grocery orders which would be delivered. As the doctors surgery and pharmacy were in Coningsby over the counter drugs were added to the range of items on sale. This increased the business to such an extent that an investigator was sent out from Chesterfield when the triennial revision was received to ascertain why there had been such a large in- crease. Mail work had also been conducted but with new develop- ments gradually increased to 7 rounds. Until Coningsby station closed mail was sorted at Tattershall and franked. Local con- ingsby mail would be delivered there and the remainder and mail from Coningsby taken to the station at lunchtime. The following train from Lincoln was met with incoming mail and taken back to Coningsby and Tattershall. Mr. Barrack had an arrangement to use his car for this work. The seven rounds were 1. the east part of the village, 2. Market Place and towards Woodhall Spa including California Farm, 3. Towards Kirkby-On-Bain including gravel pits, 4. Holland Fen at 22 mile round which was latterly converted to a moped round. 5. Tattershall Thorpe, 6. Tattershall Bridge and 7. Clinton Park. In the 60's and 70's the postmen's rounds were not so intense as they are now and the postman would take prescriptions and newspapers and sell more stamps and bring back more mail than they do nowadays. Hoyland never had any cross words with his postal staff. Even a relief man from Horncastle that none of the neighbouring offices wanted was Ok at Tattershall. This man though did almost cause a problem one day with a cash on delivery item to the gravel pits. He didn't want to take it as he didn't think anyone would be there to collect the money till he had finished his round. He was told that he would be best to leave it on his outward journey as the people could be trusted to pay when he returned. He was reminded that is was nearly Christmas and the Christmas boxes would be given by their customers. Nothing more was said but the parcel was delivered. One Christ- mas Mr. O'Neil decided that mail couldn't be delivered on the Sunday before Christmas. This meant that the postmen didn't start delivering on Tuesday until after 12.00. The post woman on the Tattershall Thorpe round had not returned by 9pm. Mr. Barrack was worried as it was cold and frosty and possibly she had fallen into a dyke so he and a colleague set out to look for her. One house they called at said she had been about 2 hours ago. Three miles further on they found her in a house having a cup of tea, she had set out at 6.00am. She said her husband wouldn't be worried and that she had two more houses to do and would be back in half an hour! Telegrams were delivered though increasingly they were only priority two items eg Greetings Telegrams for delivery the following day. In the 1960's there were only about 100 telephone bills per month, the office also used to empty and clean 7 telephone kiosks. Three franking machines were reset with the Subpostmaster visiting the actual locations to reset them. Tattershall was the first sub office in the area to con- duct data post to meet the needs of a local antiques firm. As the village was on a T junction and had easy escape routes it was classed as a "crime prone" area. This meant it was the first office in the Lincoln area to be fitted with a glass screen and a time-lock safe. Mr. O'Neil the HPM at Lincoln then decided to cut down rural mail work as much as possible. In 1976 mail work ceased and most of the rounds were transferred and added to the existing two rounds at Coningsby. His Son Peter Barrack was able to take over without the office being advertised in 1988.(HB) Office in 1999 was offering on demand First Rate Currency and issues gas keys and gas quantum on the retail side. Also now has the Lottery. Peter gained this by his own private efforts and has now been taken over by the Post Office. This has the advantage that the office can pay out larger prizes than non P.O. terminals. (PB) The hole in the wall machines at Coningsby and Tattershall have had some effect on business but the Paypoint in Coningsby has not.(HB) Information HB Hoyland Barrack, PB Peter Barrack.

TATTERSHALL BRIDGE

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

Closed since 1977 to c1980. Earlier sited in north side of village, 1st house on left with glass conservatory, on road parallel with river. Then moved to shop, which sells fishing tackle on S.W. corner of bridge. Mr. Prue Subpostmaster here from c1962 until the office closed following an auditors visit c1970-1972. Mr. Prue also worked at a postman at Tattershall during the time he was Subpostmaster. Information HB Tattershall

TEALBY

POPULATION 1921 507

1849 Post Office Directory P.O. R. Lee receiver and tailor. Letters by messenger from Market Rasen in 10.00am out 3.00pm.

1933 Kelly’s lists a Post, M.O., T. & T.E.D. Office. Letters From Lincoln, Mail To Stainton-Le-Vale. H. Lee Grocer.

George Tennyson's younger son (uncle of Alfred Tennyson) built Tennyson de Eyncourt, a large house now demolished on the Bayons Estate. He became a well known radical politician and instigated one of the first rural telegraph offices to deal with parliamentary affairs. (LL) 1964 formerly under Lincoln closed by 1977 but later reopened,(GS) By 7/1999 Nellie Portlock Subpostmistress. Public area is only 3 foot square, the area bounded by the small wooden counter and a curtain behind the counter. Mrs. Portlock retired after reaching 80 and the office closed on 17^th April, 2001. Office reopened on 1^st November, 2001 in the Tennyson de Eyncourt Memorial Hall. The new Subpostmistress Jean Eisenhauer had previously run a Sub Post Office in Scotland. The office operates on a full time basis with early closing on Wednesday. (F) By 2002 hours were MON/TUES 9-12.30 14.30-17.30, WED/THU/FRI 9-12.30. From 13^th September, 2002 office closed on Friday. In 2004 office moved to adjacent building opened as a shop/tourist information office. Opening hours 9-14.00 MON/TUE/THUR. Stuart Bown acts as manager. In December, 2007 the office was earmarked for closure with a two hour outreach replacement service as part of the 2,500-closure programme.

Information (LL) Lincolnshire Life 7/1999 (GS) Graham Smith (F) POL Focus

TETFORD

POPULATION 1801 326, 1841 775, 1851 799, 1861 793, 1871 710, 1881 590, 1891 481, 1901 381, 1911 374, 1921 367, 1931 366,

POPULATION 1921 367

According to Post Office records the office probably opened when an undated circular datestamp was supplied to the office on 28^th February, 1845. The 1849 Post Office Business Directory lists a Post Office offering basic services run by Benjamin Sewards who is listed as receiver, grocer, draper and druggist. Letters received from and dispatched to Horncastle. By 1861 the location of the office appears to have changed as Mark Wadsley was the receiver and also a book and shoemaker. The range of facilities offered at the office was increased as a Money Order and Savings Bank facilities were offered from 1^st May, 1877. 1881 had seen the introduction of the still familiar Postal Order. They would also have been sold here soon after that date. They were similar to money orders but designed for lower monetary values ranging from 1/- to 21/-. Also by 1889 in common with other Savings Bank Offices Annuity and Insurance business could be conducted and also Mr. Wadsley was just listed at Subpostmaster. However, by 1892 Charles E. Berry had been appointed possibly at the same location as he is listed by Whites as a grocer, draper, ironmonger and boot dealer and Kelly’s as grocer, draper, boot and shoe dealer and drug stores. On 25^th July, 1893 the range of services offered were further extended as a Telegraph was installed. (Code TTD) and by 1896 Telegraphed Money Orders and Express Delivery were available. Berry lasted only a few years as by 1896 Fredrick Walter Trevor had been appointed. The 1896 Directory lists him as a grocer but the 1900 issue also includes draper, patent medicine and hoot and hardware dealer. By 1913 a Telephone Call facility was available. (A) Locals recall that when the Trevor Family ran the Office is was sited in North Road (in cottage now demolished on North Side just east of council houses, now called the Old Post Office). (D)

Trevor is listed in the 1919 Directory but this was probably compiled prior to the office being temporarily closed on 8^th October, 1918. The reason for the closure or the length of time is not known. The office did reopen and the 1922 Directory lists Bertie A. Pile as the new appointee and grocer. However, the facility to issue Money Orders had been withdrawn and the office could only conduct Post, Telegraph and Telegraphic Express Delivery business. The reason for this is not known possibly the fact the population had declined from a high of 800 to 350 may have contributed to the decision. Money Orders had to be obtained from the nearest office at Belchford. Pile continues to after 1930 but by 1933 R. Ingamells had been appointed and was listed as a grocer. (A)

Mr. Ingamells then ran Post office in his general stores at East end of terrace he owned in South Road for many years being appointed c1934. However, not long before he retired he moved the Post Office to the house at the other end of the terrace opposite the telephone box. The telegram service from the village was transferred to Horncastle at this time. Mr. Ingamells had delivered as far as Belchford on when that office closed for half day. Position was passed on to Mr. Routledge after he had had a weeks training. Unfortunately he only did about two weeks and was ill another week but was also unable to sort out book work and the position was offered to Mrs. Dixon.

Mrs. Alice Dixon was Subpostmistress from October, 1961. She applied for the position when Mr. Ingamells retired but received a reply that she was not being considered. But then she was approached by the Post Office and asked to apply. She was reluctant at first but was persuaded to attend an interview at Lincoln. She agreed to take on the appointment as she was told that she was accepted there and then as she was not happy to be left in an uncertain situation. The office therefore moved to the East Side of East Road opposite the White Hart P.H. Initially this caused some ill feelings that the office had been moved out of the centre of the village. After she was appointed they wanted to reduce the salary as a number of pensioners had transferred to Horncastle because of the poor service they had received during the previous month. She was not happy about this and agreement was reached that the staff at Tetford would inform customers from Tetford that the P.O. there was in new hands. Mr. Leslie Dixon worked on the farm and she had run a store selling sweets, tobacco, ices and newspapers on the site since 1956. For the Post Office. a door was provided at the south end of the premises and the P.O. was sited at the southern end of the premises. This arrangement continued until about 1975/1976 when to avoid having to move from the shop to the P.O. the P.O. was moved into the shop in the northern part of the premises to the north of the lounge. When they took over she supervised a bicycle round in the village but this was taken away c late 1960's and mail was dealt with directly by Horncastle. This drastically reduced the salary but after that the rates of pay improved and when she reached 60 she didn't have to pay NIS contributions so the salary returned to a similar level. She used to like to get her pensions form completed on Thursday afternoon as she had usually paid most of them out by lunchtime. The dockets were held over and date stamped for the following week. The auditors said they would never come on a Friday but one day they did and though they said they had the dockets to include in cash they were ticked off. The checking visitor always wanted to inspect the rule book but as Mrs. Dixon refused to do the amendments the book was never available! Mrs. Dixon also remembers a S/B fraud, a professional forging signatures. They caught up with her in Redcar but she was too ill to attend the trial. One other incident was with NIS stamps for a local farmer. Each week she would put the stamps aside in separate envelopes. However one time the farmer put a whole weeks envelope on the fire. She was able to verify that what he said was correct but in the event the authorities didn't query it with her. Also did Girobank and a local insurance agent was a very good customer but it did lead to problems with the REMs. The Thursday REM used to come late as Tetford was at the end of the round and she was cross remitting most of it which led to queries. She therefore arranged with Lincoln to ring them up earlier in the week to alter it in advance.

After Mr. Dixon retired he also used to help in the post office and Mrs. Dixon gradually became more and more ill, so they also employed an assistant. Towards the end they gave up the shop altogether and just did the P.O. and newspapers. One morning a pensioner kept asking Mr. Dixon for a "Seat Warmer" he didn't understand what the lady meant until eventually another customer realised that what she wanted was a postal order to send off for a polystyrene toilet seat warmer. Another son of a pensioner came back with the pension one day and asked Mrs. Dixon to check it and she found it to be correct. Then in the afternoon his wife can and rapped he umbrella on the counter and asked Mrs. Dixon why she had paid out more this week that she had done previous weeks. She was not sure only that what she had paid agreed with the dockets she had to hand. The wife said her mother in law wanted to know what had happened to the money the previous week. Mrs. Dixon didn't know why but inquired of H.O. who said to ask whether the lady was now 80. So Mrs. Dixon went round, yes the lady was 80 and that was why she had been paid an extra 2/6. Mrs. Dixon asked when he birthday had been and it was only last week so the pensioner gave a red-faced apology. The worst problem they had was when they lost £100. The only £20 notes they received were bundled by the Dixon's into £100 lots and they were used only in £100's, mostly to pay the nursing home. One week they were £100 short having paid out bank holiday doubles. They thought they had possibly left a docket in one of the home's books. However, when she rang the homeowner said that if the money was incorrect it had all been banked. He said this before Mrs. Dixon had chance to ask the question and she feels to this day that an extra clip of £100 had been put in the homes envelope as they could check though what £20 notes had been received and issued. The post box was in the wall when the P.O. was here.(D)

Although Mr. Dixon was helping advancing years were taking their toll. The Dixons were more concerned with providing a minimum P.O. service and glad to be part of the social life of the village. At that time the P.O. had no safe or alarm. Mr. Dixon didn't want her to retire but eventually Peter Jackson learnt that she intended to retire. As he was unemployed he decided to put it for the position. However, the newly built general stores had provided an area for the P.O. in its plans and Peter didn't think he stood much chance. However, at the interview Mr. MacLauchlan took to him and offered him the position. The intended site was the old kitchen of one of the former two cottages, which formed the premises. It was just an old outhouse with a sink. As Peter didn't think he would be successful little preparatory work had been done and the next fortnight was spent getting the outhouse rendered and ready. It opened without planning permission and before opening a man from the Planning and Highways Department had been and his initial reaction was that there was no way a P.O. could open there, as it would cause a traffic problem at the nearby junction. However, when Peter explained the quiet nature of the P.O. proposed he was won round and agreed to the scheme with the proviso that is parking became a problem a lay-by would have to be constructed. So the P.O. was sited on N. side of W. end of South Road and Mr. Peter Jackson became Subpostmaster in August, 1987. He had stock rem problems, as having built up stamp sales considerably since appointment it was proving difficult to gauge what stock to hold and to receive special orders quickly. Also arranged for local nursing home to receive a cheque for pensions from POCL but has arrived late on occasion and been insufficiently addressed. Mail delivered and collected from Horncastle the afternoon collecting time being altered in 1992 from 4pm to 5pm.(J) Office later closed partially as a result of the loss of a major stamp customer. (J)

Datestamp 9/33 Information Directories/own Information/Information from P.O. records by Ken Smith (A) P. Jackson (J) Mr. & Mrs. Dixon (D) NFSP RECEIPT 11/5/1977 A. E. Dixon

TETNEY

POPULATION 1841 819, 1851 869, 1861 917, 1871 923, 1881 807, 1891 775, 1901 636, 1911 717, 1921 790, 1931 882,

The Post Office was probably opened when an undated circular datestamp was supplied on 3^rd August, 1847. By 1849 Mr. William James Butt had been appointed Receiver and was also village schoolmaster and Parish Clerk. Mail was delivered from Grimsby. In 1856 a Wesleyan school was built with a different master and mistress and William is not mentioned as a schoolmaster but he did continue as Parish Clerk. By 1876 Miss Louisa Butt (William’s daughter?) had been appointed Subpostmistress. She was not the Parish Clerk but is mentioned as running a day school.

By 1885 the location of the Post Office probably moved as Mr. Edmund Hewson had been appointed who was also a tailor. His appointment was also probably why official records show that the range of transactions was expanded by 1885 to include Money Order, Savings Bank and Annuity and Insurance business. By 1896 Edmund was also acting as attendance officer for the school board. On 7^th December, 1897 a telegraph was fitted at the office (Code TTY) so by 1900 the range of services offered had been expanded to include Telegraph, Telegraph Money Orders, Express Delivery and as at most offices Parcel Post (introduced in 1883). By 1913 Percy John Hewson had been appointed Subpostmaster and was also a cycle agent and repairer. John Hewson was also listed as a grocer and draper. I am not sure of the relationships or whether the office moved to a different site. I think the Edwardian site was where the fish and chip shop is now.

By 1919 Mr. George Osbourne had been appointed Subpostmaster. He was also a grocer but at a different site. To confuse things, the directory of 1919 also still lists Percy as Cycles and Post Office. By 1922 a telephone had been fitted TN1 and from January, 1923 mail was delivered from North Thoresby. By 1933 Mr. Frank Asaph Hill had been appointed and was also a grocer. From 1^st November, 1937 mail was delivered from Grimsby and also by 1937 the telephone service was being provided from Humberston as the office number was Humberston 74. On 8^th July, 1976 P. A. Parnham was Subpostmaster and the office was located on the North side of the main road west of the ‘T’ junction to the church. After he left another Subpostmaster was appointed but then the office suddenly closed and was reopened in an existing newspaper shop in Thoresby Road. This shop was later greatly extended and converted into a Spar convenience store. More recently the Tates Group has acquired it.

Information - Directories/own Information/Information from P.O. records by Ken Smith/NFSP receipts.

THEDDLETHORPE /THEDDLETHORPE ALL SAINTS

POPULATION 1841 ?, 1851 716, 1861 726, 1871 780, 1881 743, 1891 610, 1901 611, 1911 577, 1921 713, 1931 ?,

In the 19^th Century All Saints was known as West Theddlethorpe and St. Helens as East. The Post Office is thought to have opened as Theddlethorpe on 21^st November when an undated circular datestamp was provided, with the mail being delivered from Alford. By 1855 T. Bartholomew is listed as the grocer and postmaster. By 1868 he was also a tailor. By 1876 Mr. Charles Hoggard and taken over as Subpostmaster. By1878 mail was delivered from Louth. Mr. Hoggard was short lived as by 1882 Mr. John Thomas Howell has succeeded him. By 1885 the business was described as a draper, grocer, boot and shoe dealer, earthenware and hardware warehouse. A rubber datestamp was provided in 1886. All Saints added to office name in 1899 when St. Helen’s opened. By 1900 another Subpostmaster, R. Barker had been appointed. Provision dealer, tobacconist and patient medicine vendor had been added to the list of shop services and earthenware and hardware warehouse had been deleted. By 1905 Mrs. Alice Howarth had been appointed Subpostmistress and Postal Orders could be both issued and paid. Mrs. Mary Ann Hainsworth had been appointed Subpostmistress by 1919 with William Woodcock Hainsworth(husband?) as the shop keeper. By 1926 Miss M. Downing had taken over as Subpostmistress and by 1930 it was also a telephone call office. Between 1933 and 1937 she had been replaced by Miss Elizabeth Green and the business was described as a confectioner. From 15^th April, 1940 mail was delivered from Mablethorpe. Latterly a general stores with a caravan site behind but Subpostmistress didn’t feel she received enough support and office closed c1987.

THEDDLETHORPE ST. HELENS Office opened in 1899 with mail delivered from Louth. A rubber datestamp was provided. Mrs. Hephzibah Lingard had been appointed as the first Subpostmistress. The initial business was as a post office issuing postal orders and a shop of some description. Mail was delivered from Louth. By 1905 the transactions offered had been expanded to include savings bank and Annuity and Insurance Business and also Money Orders although P.O. records indicate that this was not introduced until1908. A telegraph was installed on 25^th June, 1912 (Code TID). By 1913 the business was described as a newsagents. Mr. Patrick Joseph Flynn had been appointed Subpostmaster by 1919 with the business being described as a stationers and Post Office. A telephone had been installed by this date. For some reason the Kelly’s Directories of 1922 and 1926 do not mention the telegraph but it does mention it in the 1930 edition which also refers to the Telegraph Express Delivery Service. It is not clear when Mr. Flynn retired as the 1933 and 1937 directories do not list an owner. From 15^th April, 1940 mail was delivered from Mablethorpe. Mrs. Clark ran the post office for many years sometime after 1945. Latterly it was the village general stores. Unfortunately the last owners agreed to buy the premises but were not appointed by the Post Office and the office closed on 30^th January, 1990. From 19/4/1993 satellite office opened in St. Helens Church Kitchen. Open Mon 2-5. Service provided by Subpostmistress South Somercotes. She transferred this to the Subpostmaster at Maltby-Le-Marsh but the facility was withdrawn on 24^th February, 2003.

THIMBLEBY

POPULATION 1921 194

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

Mrs. Cook appointed 1/8/1949 now over 80. Sited on north side of road between 2 council houses, in former Sergeants Mess Building from Bruton Moor. This was possibly the smallest freestanding post office building in Lincolnshire. Previously post office was run for 20 - 30 years by Miss Bannister in what is now called the Old Forge.(confirm Mrs. U. Kirkby) Same datestamp since pre 1949. Mrs. Cook died 24/12/1992 and P.O. moved to a new location.

THORESWAY

POPULATION 1921 181

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

Mrs. Markham may have had it, she died in 1947. Horses used to go from village to Caistor to pick up mail to aid their training. Miss Burgess had a shop and P.O. in premises to east of present site. Now two houses but then a house to the west and the shop to the east. She was there 1930/1932.(C) P.O. there 1940's (E) Mr. Freddie Atkin took over and was there in 1947. Widow Clark then had it in a wooden hut at present site. It then moved to the Whitehouse, the house next to the ship site. Mr.Johnson was Subpostmaster there for c10 years, until he died. Frankie Button then took it over in the Old School, he had a plastics factory there. (C) Mrs. Lorraine (E) Whitehead Subpostmistress by c1976 (her mum at first?). P.O. sited in east of two houses NW of present site. They moved it back to the Whitehouse and then built the new house and moved it there.(C) Temporarily closed, 20.5.1988 (AO), Re- opened December, 1991 Subpostmistress Mrs. Dorothy Edith Non C/A to Louth open 10-12 MON, TUE, THUR. P.O. sited in rear signed outhouse, not visible form main road. The Roundel was taken down following a burglary in 1991. (E) INFORMATION Mrs. Edith (E), B & M Clark (C)

THORGANBY

POPULATION 1921 127

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

C1939 Counter in front room of a house (S) Subpostmistress in 1964 was Mrs. Rosa Turner. She had to clean the telephone box and played the church organ. Her husband was the joiner on the estate (P)

Closed by 1991. Elec Roll - The Post House Main St. Stenett

Information S. Leadenham (S) Mr. Parker ACF (P)

THORNTON CURTIS (THORNTON-LE-FEN see Gipsey Bridge)

POPULATION 1921 481

1933 Kelly’s lists a Post & Tel Call Office. Letters From Ulceby. Mrs. J. Raby Grocer

RECEIPT 24/3/1977 J. A. Donkersloot

THORPE-ON-THE-HILL

POPULATION 1921 255

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

Early site was in big house across road to east of church. Mrs. Gilbert Subpostmistress - there in 1954 (R). Mrs. Gilbert used to have to take the outgoing mail at 5.30 to put it on the train for which she received 6d. (LS) Sited in 6 Lincoln Lane in a purpose built lean to. Home made glass screen with a wooden adjacent hatch, which opens into the counter side to admit parcels and permit easier conversation. Girobank office with small shop area selling sweets, cigarettes behind the screen and a few cards, toys crisps etc on the customer side. Previous Subpostmaster there for only 6 months preceded by Mr. Enderby (MRS. R.) (Etherington/Elkington [LS]) Subpostmaster Mr. Leonard Shepherd since c1970. Had a grocers shop with his wife and came here to 'retire' then. His wife since died. Volunteered to become a community office in 1990 but regretted it as still open the same hours. Hours were 9-5 with no lunch and closed Saturday. Mr. Shepherd engaged in friendly banter with the local school children over when small sweet items they wanted and the price of crisps. (LS) Subpostmaster on 26/3/1996 P. Smith

INFORMATION from Mrs. Rowland (R) and L. Shepherd. (LS)

THORPE-ST.-PETER

New Post Office opened in this village having been transferred from Irby. Opened on Thursday __June, 1995. Sited in The Old Chapel on the B1195 on the N.W. end of the village. Mrs. Tracy Atkinson was appointed Subpostmistress having been trained and worked for a few months at Irby prior to closure. She and her Driving Instructor husband Andrew came from York and converted the former Methodist Chapel themselves. The office is a Community C/A one opening 9-12.30 MON, TUE, THUR and FRI. It is not obvious that it is a Post Office when you pass by so there are few non regulars. The office does though receive good support as when the office was opened an advertising flyer was distributed in the area. Access to the office is through a front door at the north side which leads to a "T" shaped hallway. The office is in a cupboard sized room with proper screen with access from the large front lounge. Mail comes from Skegness?, Andrew also serves in the office sometimes and telephone bills etc are accepted. There are a number of transactions that they have never undertaken eg NRA licences and even parcels are very rare and would require consulting the Information books. Mrs. Atkinson enjoys being able to work form home. Closed by 3/2002

Information T. Atkinson

THRECKINGHAM/THREEKINGHAM

POPULATION 1861 189, 1871 ?, 1881 143, 1891 158, 1901 155, 1911 144, 1921 146, 1931 218,

Threekingham has had quite a turbulent Post Office history with two periods of closure and many different appointees. According to Post Office records the office probably opened on 8^th April, 1846 when an undated circular datestamp was provided. The 1849 Post Office Directory lists a P.O. offering the basic range of services run by T. Grocock. He was also a tailor and was also listed as such in 1826. Letters we received from and dispatched to Falkingham. Grocock doesn’t appear to have taken to the business and according to Post Office records the office closed in 1856 and the 1855 Directory just lists him as a tailor.

Post Office Records record that the office was re-established in 1874. The first Directory entry to substantiate this is not until 1882 where Miss Susan Pickworth is listed a running a P.O. offering the basic range of services and also having a grocery business. By 1896 Pickworth was still a shopkeeper but the Directory lists that Mr. Joseph Lambley Abel had been appointed Subpostmaster between 1892 and 1896. A rubber date stamp was provided in 1898. These were normally provided to cancel Postal Orders but the Directories make no mention of this facility being available here.

The 1900 Directory again lists a different Appointee as by that date Mrs. E. Rastall held the post with no ancillary business listed. Surprisingly the 1905 Kelly’s Directory again lists Miss Susan Pickworth as Subpostmistress but while she continued to run her shop by 1909 Mr. George Taylor had been appointed and he was a tailor and farmer. Yet again there was a change of Subpostmaster as the 1913 Directory lists a Mr. Thomas Ogden with no ancillary business. (D) Local knowledge was that the office was located at that time in No.10 The Cottage, in Laundon Road to the east of the church. (E) Post Office Records indicate that the office was closed in 1918 and the a P.O. circular advises that the office was re-established on 11^th May, 1927 with mail being received from and dispatched to Billingborough. The Directories make no listing of a Post Office between 1919 and 1930 but the 1933 Kelly’s lists a Post & Tel Call Office with W. Quincey as Subpostmaster and Shopkeeper. (D) Local knowledge was that Mrs Quicey located the office in the westernmost of a block of now demolished cottages to the east of No.10. A wall postbox was placed between the two cottages. (E) From 9^th November, 1936 mail arrangement revision meant that Billingborough was downgraded as a Post Town and replaced by Sleaford. The 1937 Directory lists William Quinney (1933 or this a misprint?) and the fact that the telephone number was Billingborough 20. (D) Mrs. Quincey continued with the post office after 1945 and at some stage moved it across the road to Launden Cottage. (E)

The next information I have is that Mrs. Gladys M Hare was running the Post Office. By 1992 this was on a community hours basis from a house at 42 Saltersway. This house was the most western house on the north side of the road. She was probably still in charge when the office closed on 12^th March, 1998. (D)

Information Directories/own Information, information from P.O. records by Ken Smith (D) Mr. & Mrs Ewer (E)

THROCKENHOLT

Throckenholt is located in the southern part of Sutton St. Edmund. The post office is thought to have opened in 1882.The first reference to a Post Office is in the 1885 edition of Kelly’s. The office is referred to as Southery Bank and the Subpostmaster was Josiah Parker. Mail arrived from Wisbech at 5.30 am and despatched at 8 pm. By 1889 Mr. Parker had either died or resigned as the post was vacant and in 1892 no mention is made of the Post Office. By 1896 the office was referred to as South Eau Bank and John Henry Brett had been appointed. A rubber date stamp was supplied in 1896 so this may indicate a change in the name of the office at this point also indicate when the office was reopened. Mail arrived at 5.20. Mr. Brett didn’t seem to last long either as by 1900 Samuel Allister who was listed as a joiner and builder in 1892 had taken over as Subpostmaster. By 1905 the status of the office had been enhanced as Money Order, Saving Bank and Annuity and Insurance business could be conducted. As with most office at that time mail was not delivered on Sundays Mrs. M. Allister was now Subpostmistress so possibly Samuel had died. By 1913 mail arrived at 5.20 and 11.45 and was despatched at 7.40pm. There was still no Sunday delivery. Interestingly the directories specifically mention that the office was closed between 12.00 and 4pm which I think would have been unusual. These arrangements continued to at least 1922. I have seen a rubber date stamp impression “Throckenholt Wisbech” dated August, 1914 which may well be the same one as was supplied in 1896. By 1926 Miss Ethel Allister was Subpostmistress, presumably the daughter of the previous incumbents. The directories of 1930/33/37 do not mention who the Subpostmaster was but for the first time the 1933 directory refers to the Post Office as Throckenholt. In October, 1937 the mail arrangements were altered so that mail was delivered from and despatched to Hobeach and from August 1942 the mail was again altered to Spalding. According the Regional Post Office Phone Directory the office was closed on 21^st September, 1990. The 1954 O.S. Map shows the site as being on the north side of the main east to west road, the easternmost of three houses before the road bends to the south.

Another contact comments “Our address is Barney Cottage, South Eau Bank and the house was originally a semi that has been knocked into one house. I believe it was built about 150-175 years ago and that our living room was the Post Office and sweet shop in the late 1880's through to 1940's (but I might be wrong).”

Information - Directories/own Information/Information from P.O. records by Ken Smith.

THURLBY

POPULATION 1861 833, 1871 ?, 1881 814, 1891 782, 1901 726, 1911 756, 1921 762,

The 1849 Post Office Directory lists a P.O. providing basic services with John Ellis appointed as receiver/post office master. Letters were received and dispatched by foot post from Bourn. According to Post Office records an undated circular datestamp was provided on 19^th December, 1856. By 1872 John has probably died as Mary Ellis was listed as Subpostmistress, probably his wife. (D) By 1880 Mr. Henry Messam and had been appointed. The office was located in one of the old cottages in Crown Lane with a blacksmith’s behind. (P) White’s 1882 Directory lists him as Subpostmaster and also a carpenter, wheelwright and Blacksmith. By 1885 a mailcart was being used to bring the mail from Bourne. From 1885 Messam is described as a wheelwright or carpenter and wheelwright. 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 1888 to cancel these and this may well be the date they commenced sale here. They were on sale here by 1896. In 1883 the inland Parcels Post Service was commenced. Most offices conducted this service but the 1900 and 1905 Directories specifically refer to this office as a Post Office and Parcel Office. Between 1900 and 1905 Mr. Messam had been replaced. (D) Mrs. Parker has information that it was Robert Peasgood who was a baker and grocer. His nephew Aquila Peasgood succeeded him. (P) The Directories make no mention of Robert but record Aquila in 1905. The location of the office probably changed as she was also a grocer. Postal Orders could now be issued and paid. By 1909 Mrs. Mary Ann Adcock had been appointed, probably on the same site as she was a grocer. (D) Mrs Parker refers to her as Annie Mason which presumably was her maiden name? (P) By 1922 the business was styles as Adcock MA Mrs. And Son and by 1933 Adcock & Son Grocers. By 1930 a Telephone Call Office facility had been installed and the Directory also refers to a telegraph facility being provided. Post Office records though indicate that the Telegraph was not installed until 6^th May, 1936 (Code TUI)

1933 Kelly’s lists a Post & Tel. Letters From Bourne. The telephone number was TN1 in 1930 but altered to Bourne153 by 1937. (D) Mrs Adcock continued until 1952 having completed over 40 years of service. Harry Watson Senior then relocated the office to 9/10 The Green. He retired in 1963 when his son in law Norman Parker took over. In 1990 his early death meant that his wife Brenda took over from him. (P)By 1992 she had remarried to a Mr. Gilbert. (D) The office did mailwork to quite late on probably to at least the 1960’s/1970’s. (M) The Post Office Stores were sold in 1999.

Information Directories/own Information, information from P.O. records by Ken Smith (D) Subpostmaster Morton (M). Mrs. Parker (P)

TID/TYDD/TYDD ST. MARY

POPULATION 19211,043 (Tydd St. Mary)

1849 Post Office Directory P.O. T Marshall postmaster and farmer. Tydd Gote. Letters from Wisbech in 7.00am out 6.00pm.

1933 Kelly’s lists a Tydd Post, M.O., T. & T.E.D. Office. Letters From Wisbech. Mrs. L.

Bowers Grocer. Office located at Tydd Gote.

Site in 2002 is in a general stores on the south side of the road in Tydd Gote leading to Sutton Bridge.

TIMBERLAND

POPULATION 1921 556

Post Office situated at 7 Church Lane in a purpose built shop of good size with a high ceiling built onto the front of the house in the 1920's. The house is spacious having been virtually doubled in size at the front in Victorian times. The shop operates as a traditional village stores with a one position F/T C/A office in the SE corner. The sorting office is upstairs in the front room of the house behind. A 1930's photo shows Holdershaw as owning the premises in the 1930's. Mail used to be delivered to the fen by horse in the old days. (CH(

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

Mrs. Lewis Wells was appointed in the 1940's, after the war. The Johnson's were the next owners, they had a young family. Mrs. Irene Sloane was Subpostmistress c1976-1982. She and her husband now run a pub in Woodhall Spa. Mrs. Jean Cash held the post for a year but was not liked in the village and didn't take to the life. Mrs Christine Hearn Subpostmistress appointed on 1/8/1983. As well as a sorting office Christine also used to teach ceramics until 1994 in the room as well. Mailwork conducted with mail arriving from Lincoln at 4.57am 3 rounds are operated. 1. Cycle round in Timberland. 2. Cycle round in Walcot 3. Van (formerly Moped) round to Martin, Martin Fen, Timberland Fen, Thorpe Tilney and Thorpe Tilney Fen. By 1992 mail from Lincoln picked up from Billinghay at 06.40. Parcels still taken on all rounds in 1994. 137 houses in the village and deals with over 100 dockets a week. No tokens or datapost.(CH). Mrs. Arnold Subpostmistess from November, 1995 to 28 July, 1999. Jerry Speirs then appointed.

datestamp E 7/34 no parcel stamp. INFORMATION C. Hearn (CH)

TINWELL

TOFT

TONGUE END

According to a Post Office Circular the office opened on 11^th March, 1936. A listing of a Post Office offering a basic range of services plus a Telephone Call Office facility is listed in the 1937 edition of Kelly's Directory. No owner is listed as probably no ancillary business was undertaken. Mail was delivered from and dispatched to Spalding. However, between 1939 and 1941 the office closed. According to a Post Office Circular the office re-opened on 4^th August, 1954. The office closed on 28^th June, 1991. The O.S. Map shows the final location to be of the east side of the road just north of the junction of the minor road from Bourne. I am not sure if this was the only location or whether the 1930's office was on a different site.

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

TORKSEY

POPULATION 1921 191

1933 Kelly’s lists a Post, T. & T.E.D. Office. Letters From Lincoln. A. Sney Tobacconist.

Post Office was in white house at Telephone box (WW&K). Whitehouse is a 600 old building, old foundations and frame later fitted with prefabricated sections by Walter Weaver. In 2006 it is now called Ye Olde Post Office and is located between the Charnwood and the Hulme Arms. Snells ran P.O. before the war, he ran it with his sister. Walter Weaver remembers when the new telephone kiosk was provided inspecting the old stuffed leather 'sentry box' type fitting provided in the house. Snells then married Ted and his sister Barracliff. Mr. Snell got his chance to go farming during the war and Ted Barracliff took over with Mrs. nee Snell. He came from Nottingham and as the office was a money order and telephone exchange the salary was comparably attractive though the exchange had to be constantly manned. Stowe Park fuel dump was nearby and it supplied the local airfields. Walter Weaver remembers that if you didn't make your telephone call by 10.00 the lines would be closed to private use for military calls. When the telephone exchange went automatic P.O. lost a lot of income but the new Shell Depot brought business until staff had to have their wages paid into a bank account.(WW son). Mr. Barracliff died in 1963 and his wife continued to run it until 31/3/1965.

Then Mr. & Mrs. Halsall from Gainsborough ran it. With Mr. Halsall working Mrs. Halsall found she couldn’t cope with the business and it moved to The Elms Torksey Lock, which was made into a shop. It was there 2 or 3 years when, following accounting problems, Mrs. Halsall took it back. She ran it until they retired in 1985 having found it difficult to sell the business.(WW son) Then in minimarket but business soon went bankrupt, too grand ideas. P.O. moved from site before it closed. (K) Minimarket was run by son in law of Mr. Scott not there more than 2 years (WW) Post Office was then moved to current site, a modern bungalow named Charnwood. Mrs Pam J. Cox appointed Subpostmistress by 1991. Yvonne Butler took over in 1996. Post Office waiting area is in front porch and counter area and horizon equipment fits neatly onto a desk in the hall with the door into the hall opening with a screen fitted. Standard Post Office services offered with pre order currency and leaflet Travel Insurance. By 2006 office open Monday to Thursday 09.00-13.00 14.00-17.00, Friday 09.00-13.00, Saturday 09.00-12.30. Was open until 17.30 in the 1990’s.

Information from Walter Weaver (WW) and Mr. & Mrs. Kirk Laugherton. (K)

TOYNTON ALL SAINTS

POPULATION 1921 530

1933 Kelly’s lists a Post & Tel Call Office. Letters From Spilsby. A. Mableson Shopkeeper.

present site on corner opposite chapel since 1920's general stores.(CY) Mr. Johnson appointed Subpostmaster in 1943, still there in 1947(DC) Previously sited in cottage across road to N.W.,(CY). Office closed then reopened at 2 watermill Lane by 2003 (AR) Office closed 2^nd July, 2004. (KS)

Information (CY)D. Cooper (DC)

TOYNTON ST. PETER

TRUSTHORPE

POPULATION 1921 459

1849 Post Office Directory P.O. Mrs. Taylor receiver. Letters from ? in 10.00am out 4.15pm.

Pre present site in Salby House next door but one to present site. Traditional General Stores shop built from timbers of "The Ceres" a barque wrecked on coast in 1848. Premises originally built in 1779. c1912 W. Parker took over. Taylors, not necessarily P.O.H. Taylor were cousins of W. Parker.

1933 Kelly’s lists a Post & Tel Call Office. Letters From Mablethorpe. W. Parker Grocer.

Mailwork office but ceased before 1947. Tel. call apparatus in shop. Aubrey Parker son of W.A. Parker (who photographed postcard of P.O.) took charge for periods on extended leave from services c1947/1948 because father was ill. A.P. eventually took over. A.P. asked shortly after he took over to make it a C/A office. Closed 13th January, 2000.

TUMBY WOODSIDE

Possibly a post office here in stores MR. D. Brass Knocker Mareham.

TYDD See Tid

UFFINGTON

POPULATION 1921 357

1849 Post Office Directory P.O. Mrs. A. Blades Hibbins receiver and postmistress. Letters by foot post from Stamford in 8.00am out 6.00pm.

1933 Kelly’s lists a Post, T. & T.E.D. Office. Letters From Stamford. W. Wells Baker. (D)

Prior to 1970 the office was located in 63 Main Street. Mrs F. Francis was the Subpostmistress. c1970 the office moved to 19 School Lane and Mrs M. Carter took over as Subpostmistress. About 1991 the office became a Community Office and the opening hours were reduced. In 1994 the office again moved to Croft Farm, Casewick Lane. Mrs Yvonne Genever was appointed Subpostmistress. When Yvonne’s aunt died in 1984 the two separate farmhouses on the site were merged into one. The post office is located in the former kitchen and has a serving area, screen and customer area. (G) A basic range of post office services are offered and the office opens Tuesday 09.00-13.00, Wednesday 09.00-13.00, 14.00-16.30 and Thursday 09.00-13.00. In December, 2007 the office was earmarked for closure as part of the 2,500-closure programme.

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

UFFORD

ULCEBY (Alford)

POPULATION 1921 162

1933 Kelly’s lists a Post & Tel Call Office. Letters From Alford. W. Widnall Shopkeeper.

Sited at Forge Cottage, Subpostmaster probably Mr. Reginald Brown. Then sited in first house on right hand side from A---- since 23/9/73. NFSP RECEIPT seen for 11/5/1977 in the name of S. D. M. Ranshaw. Office temporarily closed 22.8.89 and did not reopen.

ULCEBY LATER STATION ROAD ULCEBY

POPULATION 1841 787, 1851 959, 1861 1048, 1871 1036, 1881 961 (-Croxton), 1891 941, 1901 865, 1911 947, 1921 924, 1931 918

The office probably opened in 1846 when an undated circular datestamp was supplied. According to Post Office records Mail was received from and dispatched to Barrow On Humber but by 1849 this had been altered to Hull. The 1849 Post Office Directory lists the Subpostmaster as John Harrison. Mail was described as being delivered from Barton so the P.O. records entry may have been incorrectly copied. To reflect the large increase in population over the previous decade on 6^th October 1851 the office was regarded as a Post Town and also Money Orders could be issued and paid. When the largest 1,000 Post Offices were given numbered postage stamp obliterators in 1844 Ulceby was not among them. However in 1851 it was allocated number 002 in the second series. John continued until about 1855 but by 1856 he had been replaced as Postmaster by Thomas Mark Timmins. He was also the stationmaster at Ulceby Junction, which is where the Post Office was situated and probably had been since it was opened. This location was about a mile east of the original centre of the village but was where the railway and earlier the canal had been built. As the station was located at a junction between lines from Barton and the Hull Ferry, Grimsby and also lines west from Scunthorpe, Brigg and Barnetby this was one of the main reasons why the population of the village had increased. From 10^th March, 1862 Savings Bank Business could be conducted which would have been just after the new bank was created. Between 1861 and 1868 William Harrison replaced Mr. Timmins as Postmaster and also acted as parish clerk. Further enhancement to the office was made in 1870 when a telegraph was installed (code UY). By 1876 John B Harrison had replaced William, but their relationship is unknown. In common with other savings bank offices Annuity and Insurance business could also now be conducted. By 1882 the Postmaster had again changed and was now William Henry Cook. He probably saw the commencement of the sale of Postal Orders, which had been introduced in 1881 as a cheaper alternative to sending Money Orders for smaller amounts of money. Parcel Post would almost certainly have been offered as a service when it was introduced in 1883. On 1^st July, 1892 the status of the office was altered from a Head Office to a Sub Office. Although this represented a down grading Ulceby was more of a village than a town and I think the only offices that continued as head offices were those which were of crown office status with the employees being employed by the Post Office directly instead of through a Subpostmaster. Ulceby would still have continued to receive sealed bags of mail from all parts of the country. Between 1889 and 1892 Mrs. Ann Humphrey was appointed Postmistress. By 1896 Telegraphic Money Orders and Express delivery had been added to the range of services offered. The status of the office was again altered on 2^nd April, 1900. The office functions would have been unaltered but Sub. Office was replaced by Railway Sub Office. The 1900 Kelly’s refers to the area around the station being known as Ulceby Skitter and Ulceby Junction. The datestamp was also altered to include R.S.O. in the impression. Then on 1^st August, 1905 the office was again re-graded this time to that of a Sub. Office/Post Town. By 1909 the office was opening on Sunday from 8.15 to 10.00 am and provided a Telegraph service from 8.00 to 10.00.In 1911 a new rubber datestamp was supplied and on 7^th June, 1911 the office was renamed Station Road Ulceby and the office in the village was redesignated just Ulceby. The 1913 directory list Post Office only as to the services offered though the office was still called Ulceby Lincs. Mr. Fred Woodward was listed as Subpostmaster. The reason for this is not known as it appears that the village office became the main outlet. It may have been due to the fact that the village office was considered to be more central in the village or possibly the new owner was not prepared to continue the existing range of facilities. Whatever the reason it appears to have had an adverse effect on the office as the P.O. amendments of October, 1917 list it as being closed. (D) The story does not necessarily end there though as Christine Smith thought that there was an office called locally ULCEBY Station Road (SKITTER), which was open until c1950-1954. It was situated in house on north side of the road just east of level crossing. (S) There are though no entries in the Kelly’s Directories from 1922 to 1937 to support this.

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

ULCEBY VILLAGE LATER ULCEBY

According to P.O. records the office is thought to have opened by 1855 and received mail from Ulceby. The first Directory entry is in Whites but not until 1872. By that date John Ridley was providing a basic Post Office service and was also an existing grocer, wine dealer and agent to the Liverpool and London and London & Globe Fire and Life Insurance Co. By 1876 he had been replaced by William Tebbutt who was also listed as a shopkeeper although again in White’s Directory of 1882 he is more fully described as a grocer, draper and insurance agent. From 1^st May, 1879 the office was upgraded and could conduct Money Order and Savings Bank business. By 1889 in common with most other Savings Bank Offices Annuity and Insurance business could be conducted. By then the office had again changed hands and Mr. William Wills Whitham was Subpostmaster, grocer, and draper. The 1909 directory also has a note that Money Orders and Postal Orders payable should have the word village added to Ulceby. Then on 7^th June, 1911 it was renamed Ulceby and appears to have taken over from the Station Road Office as the main Post Office in the village. The reason for this is not known. By 1913 the Telegraph had been transferred to this office and the office was open for business including the Telegraph service from 8.30 to 10.00. The 1913 Directory lists the business as Whitham & Son grocers and drapers. By 1922 the owner was listed as Ernest Arthur Whitham. By 1926 a telephone had been installed TN1 and a Telephonic Express delivery service was offered. and the 1937 Directory lists Whitham and Son but does not specifically refer to them operating a Post Office. I am not sure if the son referred to is Ernest Arthur as per the 1913 entry or his own son. (D)

Prior to 1954 it was located at the present site but then moved to a convenience store (Spar, by 1989 Todays Store) adjacent and to west of present site. I am not sure which site the Whitham’s used. Then in 1977 the office moved back to the previous site and is located in a fancy goods and cards shop. Office conducted Mail work delivering to Kirmington, Thornton & Wooton. Until 1988 mail was collected from railway at Habrough, bags sent direct from locations but following introduction of 'Sprinter' trains on the line guard unable to walk up and down train and look after mail bags. Mail now received by van from Grimsby and mail put on train at Habrough at lunchtime for Doncaster and in the evening at Ulceby for Grimsby. Offices also makes up it's own delivery bags for registered mail etc. rather than sending it to Grimsby.(S) Postmistress Mrs. C. Smith in 1977 and on visit in September, 1989.

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

UPTON

POPULATION 1831 233, 1841 236, 1851 254, 1861 255, 1871 242, 1881 238, 1891 191, 1901 202, 1911 201, 1921 208, 1931 202,

By 1885 P.O. was run by Philip Parkinson who was an existing grocer and earlier also listed as a farmer and landowner. Mail came from Gainsborough in 10.10 out 3.15 week days only. By 1889 he had perhaps died as Supostmistress was Mrs. Ann Parkinson who continued as shopkeeper. By 1896 Mrs Mary Lambert had replaced her and the office could issue postal orders but not pay them. By 1900 P.O. George Bowness Shopkeeper & Subpostmaster mail now came in at 8.45 and out at 4.30 week days only. By 1905 Postal Orders could be issued and paid. By 1909 Thomas Slight a cowkeeper was Subpostmaster. Mr. George Bowness may have moved to a shop at Kexby as he is listed as such in 1913. Another change of Subpostmaster by 1913 when another cowkeeper Harry Stephenson now in charge and remaining so until at least 1925. By 1913 mail arrived at 9.15. By 1930 Arthur Kelsey dairyman and Post Office was Subpostmaster remaining so until at least 1936. In 1930 Kelseys had shop & P.O. in Padmore Lane, 2nd house on north side, green painted with steps at entrance. (HJ). Then Mrs. Hildred Subpostmistress c1950-c1960 at Long Leas further, west up Patmore Lane on south side of road. Then moved to pre- sent site - P.O. and general stores for village at 1 High Street. F/T C/A office. No mailwork conducted at least for 10 years.(CS) P.O. at present site since c1960 (HJ) People who had P.O. - Fell, Chance, Thompsons C2 years,(HJ) and Broadbents ran P.O. for 12(CS) 15-20(HJ) years. Then Mrs. M. E. Boyle Subpostmistress from c1978.(CS) She died and her husband Don continued to run it for the last year. Mrs. Carole Julie Smart Subpostmistress since 7/NOV/1986. Local under- takers in village so have sent ashes by post, also firm of gunmakers sent barrels to be proved in Birmingham. P.O. was also in house opposite to current site at some time. In December, 2007 the office was earmarked for closure with an outreach replacement service as part of the 2,500-closure programme. (INFORMATION from CS Carol Smart & HJ Harold Jubbs)

UTTERBY

POPULATION 1842 198, 1851 246, 1861 326, 1871 322, 1881 275, 1891 258, 1901 199, 1911 218, 1921 177, 1931 179

According to Post Office records the office probably opened when an undated circular datestamp was supplied to the office on 27^th September, 1856. The 1861 Post Office Business Directory lists a Post Office offering basic services with William Wilson as shopkeeper and receiver. Mail was delivered from and dispatched to Louth. By 1868 Henry White had been appointed, probably on the same site as he listed as a grocer and draper. The location did later change as between 1882 and 1885 William Farrow succeeded him but he was a wheelwright and carpenter and Henry was still listed as a grocer. This appears to have been short-lived as by 1892 William Topliss had replaced him and as he was listed as a grocer and draper the office probably reverted to the previous location. Farrow continued as a wheelwright. 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 1894 to cancel these and this may well be the date they commenced sale here. They were on sale here by 1896. By 1905 Postal Orders could be issued and paid and Topliss was just listed as a grocer. Between 1909 and 1913 Frederick H. Luke was appointed. Again he was listed as a grocer. Between 1922 and 1926 the Appointee again changed hands and Ernest Starkey Grey was in charge and again listed as a grocer. By 1933, as with most offices, a Post and Telephone Call Facility had been provided. The last Directory of 1937 still lists Gray. (D)

Local knowledge sites the Post Office on the Northwest corner of Green at the telephone box. The building had a wall post box. The Graydon (probably Grey?) family had it for many years. Then Teesdale had it for a short time before Mr. Frank Wilson was appointed in 1952. He was Subpostmaster in name only and his wife ran it. Salary was £9 per month in 1952. Mail was sorted and delivered at Christmas including Xmas morning. Shop in P.O. closed c1969 (W) Then P.O. moved further north to the existing Utterby Wine Stores. Mr. Jack Smith the existing owner took over in 1971. Then Mr. Patrick John Bradshaw bought shop in April 1981 and after training took over as Subpostmaster in June. His wife Janet helps him run business. The office had one position and opened fulltime hours as part of general stores including newspapers, the one shop on the main A16 in the village. Business was reregistered as Utterby Post Office and stores and shop area extended northwards. The office had no letter scales, when a parcel scale was provided the Post Office they wanted to take away the "potato" scales until it was pointed out that these were still required for weighing packets. Office was authorised to cash post cheques following demand from Dutch flower lorry drivers. A robbery took place in April, 1992. A barred window was removed by leverage during the night and safe removed. Old datestamp was last set on Wednesday 1st April and Grimsby 3 used from 3/4/1992 until a replacement issued. (B) Office and shop now closed. (D)

Information ) Directories/own information/information from P.O. records by Ken Smith (D) Mr. Wilson JNR (W) Mrs. J. Bradshaw (B)

WADDINGHAM

POPULATION 1921 554

1849 Post Office Directory P.O. James Charles receiver, bricklayer and mason. Letters from Spittal in 10.00am out 2.00pm.

1933 Kelly’s lists a Post, M.O., T. & T.E.D. Office. Letters From Kirton Lindsey. W. Abey Grocer. (D)

In Silver Street, there many years. Mr. Abey Subpostmaster from pre Second World War to sometime after. Subpostmasters were Abey - pre 1900-1955, Phillipson c7 years mailwork office in his time, Alcock, Simpson, Smith, Unsworth - there 2 years and Mr. Campbell-Latta from 1988 to 12/3/1997 when Mrs. Christine Towes appointed who had previous shop experience. General stores in back road of village. Full-time until 1988 appointment when made community office opening each day 9.30- 12.30. Mail from Gainsborough.

INFORMATION Mr. Campbell Latta.

WADDINGTON

POPULATION 1921 920

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

Mailwork Office Subpostmaster in 1992 was Mr. S. B. Davey.

WADDINGTON R.A.F. STATION

WAINFLEET (All Saints)

POPULATION 1821 1577, 1831 1795, 1841 2067, 1851 1365+717, 1861 1392+730, 1871 1355+721, 1881 1349+705, 1891 1259+718, 1901 , 1911 1921 , 1931 1375

Wainfleet, at the outlet of the Steeping River, is located between Boston and Skegness. It was an important port in the c14th and is still a Town electing a Mayor.

Post Office records indicate that a Post Office was established in the town in 1820 and quotes a fifth clause post from Boston. I am not sure exactly what the fifth clause is but I think it is some sort of arrangement that a receiving house for letters existed at Wainfleet but there was only a receiver or postmaster at Boston. By 1826 directories state that mail was received from Boston. John Harness and William Epton were carriers to Boston on Tuesday and Friday. By 1829 a Post Office was located in the High Street with John Harness as postmaster. Mail arrived as in 1826 by horse mail, Sunday excepted. By 1835 Benjamin Pickersgill had been appointed as Postmaster with mail arriving by horse gig. He also operated a day school with his wife Eliza and was also a savings bank actuary. By 1841 letters arrived from London (probably though still from Boston). Post office records state that an undated circular datestamp was provided to the office on 3^rd June 1841. By 1842 Benjamin was also acting as an agent for the British Fire Office and by 1849 as a registrar of births and deaths. From 1^st June 1852 the office was authorised to issue and pay money orders Entries for 1856 also mention that the Post Office was also a bookseller and by 1861 also a stationer, but no mention of the savings bank. This is probably because the facility to operate the Post Office Savings Bank, operated in many Post Offices, was introduced on 30^th December, 1861.

By 1864 the Postmaster was Jesse Hall who sited it in his existing business in the Market Place. He also acted as a stationer, printer, bookseller, bookbinder, music seller, patent medicines vendor, watchmaker and jeweller. The office in common with many others now operated the new Post Office Savings Bank and also conducted Government Annuity and Insurance Business. From 1870 a telegraph had been installed (Code WAI) and by 1876 George Morley has been appointed Subpostmaster. He had premises at 3 High Street and Market Place so the Post Office may well not have moved. His business was listed as that of a Chemist, druggist, printer, stationer, bookseller, newsagent, watchmaker and agent for A. Gilbert wines and spirits. By 1882 the Post Office had again changed hands and was now run by Adam Osgerby who was listed as a printer, stationer, newsagent and jeweller.

From 1^st July, 1884 Wainfleet Post Office was given the status 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 Wainfleet directly from all over the country and not via Boston head office. The address would have been just Wainfleet S.O. (or R.S.O.) Lincs. This mail would be picked up from the Railway Station to arrive. An Obliterator datestamp G91 supplied to the office for use to datestamp outward mail from 1884. I am not sure why Wainfleet was not included in the initial list of Post Towns supplied with undated obliterators in the late 1840’s it was certainly of sufficient size. The answer may lie with the close dependency on Boston for mail deliveries. By 1896 the office could also deal with Telegraphic money orders and Express delivery items and from 1^st October was designated a S.O. The office was open 7.00am to 8.00pm and 8.00 to 10.00 Sunday. By 1900 Adam Osgerby was still listed as a printer but F. Bateman had been appointed Subpostmaster and was also a sub distributor of (revenue) stamps. On 2^nd July the office was designated a R.S.O. The 1900 directory mentions that parcels were not accepted for some reason. From 1^st August, 1905 the office was further upgraded to a S.O./Post Town. The services offered were Post, Money Order and Telegraph, Telegraph Money Orders, Express Delivery, Savings Bank with Government Annuity and Insurance Business and the office also now had a Telephone Call Office facility. The office opened from 07.00 to 9pm Monday to Saturday and 08.00 to 10.00am Sunday. By 1909 Telephonic Express Delivery could also be offered but the office closed at 8pm. Mr. Bateman continue until at least 1922 but by 1926 had been replaced by Edwin Maurier (Maurice?) Hook. The directory entries for 1930-1937 do not mention a specific owner. They do however mention specifically that mail was delivered to Thorpe St. Peter. From 6^th February, 1939 the office was downgraded and mail was delivered from Skegness.(DIR)

The office has been located at 75 High Street since 1949 (LS) and probably since 1920. Mr. Annis was Subpostmaster during the 2WW (L) Mr. Bernard Reeves ran P.O. for many years. (AM) Prior to 1977 the mail sorting office had been in the southern half of the office where the greetings cards and stationery were later. Behind the sorting office at the back of the building was the telephone exchange but not sure when it was removed. Mr. Peter Smith and Mrs. Pearl Smith ran office from 1977-1987. He had worked at Boston Post Office and in London prior to that. He said he had taken over from Mr. Charles Annis (S) Mr. & Mrs. Peters ran office 1987-1990. Anthony James Metcalfe Subpostmaster with Carol Metcalfe from early 1990. Datapost and MVL business has been conducted prior to 1990 with greetings cards and stationery also being sold. (AM) until July, 1995 when Linda Sherwood from Barnsley was appointed. She and her husband Terry now work this two-position office. They were persuaded at the interview to open at lunchtime and they also decided to open on their half day and on Saturday afternoon but the Saturday afternoon was very quiet and they decided that a half day was more useful than staying open. By 2002 they also close at 1pm on Thursday and the office also sells sweets and confectionery. (LS)

Information 1826 Whites, 1829/1835/1841 Pigot, Directories/own Information/Information from P.O. records by Ken Smith. (DIR)A. Metcalfe (AM), L. Sherwood , P. Smith (S)(LS) Local residents. (L)

Mail times received despatched

By 1826 4.30pm 6.30am not Sunday

By 1835. 4.00pm 6.30am.

By 1841 12.30 2.00pm

By 1842 12.00 2.00pm

By 1849 8.45 5.45pm

By 1855 7.45am 5.45pm.

By 1868 7.45 am, delivered from 8.00 5.40pm not Sunday. By 1876 7.45 am, delivered from 8.00 5.45pm not Sunday.

By 1882 7.25 am, delivered from 8.00 5.45pm not Sunday.

By 1884 4.50 am and 1.08pm. delivered from 7.00 and the second mail to callers only. Despatched 3.25 and 7.45 with late fee up to 8.20 On Sunday mail would be given to callers only between 08.00 and 10.00 and despatched 7.00pm.

By 1889 mail was delivered at 6.00 and at 1.30pm in town only Despatched 3.25 and 7.45 with late fee up to 8.20. Sunday mail was still 08.00 to 10.00.

By 1896 Mail was received at 4.40am with a 6.00am delivery and mail was also received at 1.03pm with a 1.20pm town delivery, Despatched 3.25 and 7.45 with late fee up to 8.20 Sunday 08.00 to 10.00 for callers. Mail could be accepted with a late fee up to 7.20pm.

By 1900 Mail was received at 4.40am with a 6.00am delivery and mail was also received at 1.03pm with a 1.20pm town delivery, Despatched 3.25 and 7.45 with late fee up to 8.20 Sunday received 07.00 despatched at 3.20pm and 8.pm. Late fee to 8.20 mentioned for 1905.

By 1909 Mail was received at 4.40am with a 6.00am delivery and mail was also received at 1.03pm with a 1.20pm town delivery, Despatched 9.30am 3.20pm and 8.00 with late fee up to 8.20 Sunday received 07.00 despatched at 3.20pm and 8.pm.

By 1913 Mail was received at 4.50am with a 6.00am delivery and mail was also received at 1.03pm with a 1.20pm town delivery, Despatched 9.30am 3.20pm and 8.00 with late fee up to 8.20 Sunday received 07.00 despatched at 3.20pm and 8.pm.

Later directories do not quote times.

By 2002 Mail arrives about 9.30 by van containing a bicycle, which then makes the town delivery. Mail despatched at 11.00, 2pm and 5pm.

WAINFLEET ST. MARY

Located in St. Michael’s Lane on the west side, just north of the church. Building was at right angles to the road with a wall post-box at the road. Shop was at road end of building with entrance from path. Office was there a long time, there in 1970.(G) Mr. Hewison was Subpostmaster. Mrs. Sheila Brown replaced him and was Subpostmistess from c1964-1982 when the office closed.(B) Building has now been demolished and Greenlands built on north part of site. The foundations now form part of an entrance to a farm.(G)

Information (B) Mrs. Brown. (G) residents Greenlands, 2002

WALCOTT/WALCOT

POPULATION 1921 472

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

Subpostmistress at 10/96 S.A. Boardman Post Office sold in 1999.

WALESBY

POPULATION 1921 279

1933 Kelly’s lists a Post & Tel Call Office. Letters From Market Rasen. H. Markham Shopkeeper.

In early years site was that of final site. Location in 1960’s was in a green shop/shed to east of council houses. Subpostmistress was Mrs. Melbourne. (Y) Office closed in 1973 (by 4^th July, 1973). Reopened by Mrs. Day c1979, she ran a shop for first year. P.O. Gazette of 26/1/1983 states that office reopened in 1983 so whether the office closed after 1979 or the 1979 date should be 1983 I am not sure. The office though appears to have closed again as records state that it later reopened, from 3.11.1987 as a community office TUE & THUR all day. The office closed in 1990.

WALTHAM/WALTHAM-ON-THE-WOLDS

POPULATION 1841 656, 1851 782, 1861 807, 1871 807, 1881 704, 1891 764, 1901 740, 1911 821, 1921 978, 1931 1896.

The post office probably opened on 13^th November, 1846 as an undated circular datestamp was supplied to the office on that date. The 1849 P.O. directory lists an existing sacking and rope maker Samuel Suddaby as receiver with mail being received from Grimsby. By 1855 he had been replaced by George Stamp. The location of the office also probably moved when he was appointed, as he was an existing tailor. A replacement undated circular datestamp was supplied to the office on 7^th August, 1858, possibly the previous issue had been lost, became damaged or had worn.

On 1^st July, 1871 the range of services offered at the office were extended as Money Orders and Savings bank business could be conducted. This range was further extended in November, 1881 when a telegraph (Code WBC) was installed. By 1882 a new Subpostmaster had been appointed, Mr. James Anderson. Again the location of the office probably changed as he was listed as a shoemaker. By 1889, in common with other Savings Bank Offices Annuity and Insurance Business could be conducted. Between 1889 and 1892 James appears to have died and been replaced by Mrs. Annie Anderson who was probably his wife. The 1892 Whites Directory quotes her name as Anne, she also was listed as a stationer. By 1896 in common with other similar offices Telegraphic Money Orders and Express Delivery were also offered. The1905 Kelly’s Directory lists Parcel Post as a service offered though it was probably available long before that date as the service was available at most offices when it was introduced in 1883.

By 1919 Horace Louth Kendall had been appointed Subpostmaster, probably on the same site as he was also listed as a stationer. He continued until at least 1937. A telephone was installed at the office by 1930 telephone No.8 but this was changed by 1937 to No. 120. No Information after known after 1937 until the 1990’s. By then the office was at it’s current location at 43 High Street.

The appointed Subpostmaster died suddenly, a shortage was found on the Monday when the Auditors checked. Later they found the shortage; it was National Savings Certificates, which were found under the corpse and mattress! (BP) His name was Stephenson and he died about November, 1992. The Subpostmaster in 1992 and on 26/3/1996 was Terry Maguire. By then Datapost was also offered. The Mailwork ceased April, 1996 (A-HLC) although not long before then it took over the mailwork from Ashby Cum Fenby. The appointed Subpostmaster by 27/3/2001 and in post in 2003 is Martyn Dannatt.

Mail times received despatched

By 1849 8.00am 5.00pm

By 1861 8.00am 5.00pm

Directory also mentions that a foot messenger also continued from Waltham to Barnoldby-Le-Beck, Brigsley, Beelsby, Ashby, Hatcliffe, Gunnerby, Thorganby, Swinhop, Wold Newton and East and West Ravendale. (to 1892+)

By 1868 7.30am 5.45pm no Sunday Delivery

By 1872 7.15am 5.45pm

By 1876 7.05am & 1.00 6.00pm

By 1889 7.05am & 1.00 6.00pm

By 1892 6.50am & 1.00 6.00pm

By 1896 6.30am 6.30pm

Directory also mentions that a foot messenger also continued from Waltham to Holton Le Clay, Waithe, Grainsby, Hawerby cum Beesby, Autby, Barnoldby-Le-Beck, Brigsley, Hatcliffe, Ravendale. Swinhope and Wold Newton (to 1900)

By 1900 6.50am & 1.00pm 6.20pm, not sunday

Directory also mentions that a foot messenger also continued from Waltham to Waithe, Grainsby, Hawerby cum Beesby,

Barnoldby-Le-Beck, Brigsley, Hatcliffe and Ravendale

By 1905 6.45am & 2.15 6.20pm, not sunday

Directory also mentions that a foot messenger also continued from Waltham to Waithe, Grainsby, Hawerby cum Beesby, Barnoldby-Le-Beck, Brigsley, Hatcliffe and Ravendale.

By 1909 6.45am & 1.10 11.40 & 6.20pm (not Sunday)

Directory also mentions that a foot messenger also continued from Waltham to Hawerby cum Beesby, Barnoldby-Le-Beck, and Hatcliffe.

By 1913 6.45am & 3.25pm 9.15, 5.40pm and 6.40pm (not Sunday)

Directory also mentions that a foot messenger also continued from Waltham to Barnoldby-Le-Beck, Hatcliffe, Thorganby and Balsby

Later directories do not quote times.

Information - Directories/own Information/Information from P.O. records by Ken Smith/NFSP receipts. (BP) Bill Pounder (A-HLC) Anna Morgan

WASHINGBOROUGH

POPULATION 1921 770

In 1900 A. Ash was Subpostmaster, carrier and school attendance officer. The office was a money order office at this time. Post Office now located at 5/7 High Street. It was extended into No.5 at a later date. Property built 1814-1823. Post Office is thought to have moved to this site on 14/4/1934 when John Applewhite moved in from across the road to an existing shop premises run by Mrs. E. L. Bell and Alfred Bell. The deeds state that at 1934 John Applewhite was "of the Post Office Washingborough". However, in the 1933 Kelly's directory A. Bell is listed as Subpostmaster of the Post Office and Telephone Call Office. He was Subpostmaster until 31/10/47 when F. V. Pyle succeeded him. He conducted mail work and the shop was a grocers and also sold paraffin. He was in post until 9/7/1982 when he was re- placed by the current Subpostmaster Derek C. Westney. The shop now sells confectionery, greetings cards and pet foods. The shop area has been extended rearwards and the counter moved back to the southeast corner. Mrs. Westney started a boot hire service hiring hiking boots out to children at a local school. This is no longer done but the shop does stock a range of shoes/slippers etc. Careful selection of non-fashion lines ensures that the stock does not date. The office has two positions, opening both on Mondays and Thursdays. The c/a office sells National Lottery scratch cards. (W) By 2007 the office had moved to a parade of shops on the south side of Park Lane. The Post Office is in the rear of the eastern side of the parade adjoining a pharmacy. Both premises are owned by the C.O.O.P. Opening hours 09.00-13.00 14.00-17.30 MON-FRI, 09.00-12.30 SAT. Euro’s on demand facility added in 2007. Two positions still operated with a third available.

Information D.C. Westney (W)

WELBOURNE/WELBORNE

POPULATION 1921 524

1849 Post Office Directory P.O. Mrs Jordan receiver. Letters from London via Grantham by mail coach, in 09.30am out 3.45pm.

On the green stand the middle of three cottages with bowed shop windows, above is a plaque to William Robertson 1860-1933 Trooper to Field Marshall. (Mrs. Musson thought he actually moved there when he was young). This was once thought to be the post office (B&M) Frank Henry Crosby Subpostmaster from early in 1912. His 12 year old daughter Margaret Anne now Mrs. Houghton remembers changing the rubber datestamp. The type was on circular wheels. Mr. Crosby Subpostmaster to 1929/30.(MH). Post office was in front room of Stonelea (opposite Manor House) (MH Niece). Present site designed as a shop and P.O. by Arthur Musson (M) and built by Mr. Bartholomew (B). Until this was ready P.O. was in Wheelwrights cottage just to the south (M)

1933 Kelly’s lists a Post & Tel Call Office. Letters From Lincoln. W. Musson Wheelwright. (DIR)

Annie Musson Subpostmistress and continued to run it to c1970. Dot Musson used to help with the telegrams. Leadenham P.O. closed on Mondays so had to go as far as that. Received 1.5d for delivering but it was 2/6d to go to Leadenham! Mrs. Musson remembered that very clearly. A mileometer was fitted on the bicycle to check the mileage. Leadenham House was the usual destination for these telegrams. Mr. Reeves the owner was in the fields once when she went and refused to pay the 1/- he had to pay for the telegram. His groom had to give it. Another time she went to the house and he gave her a dozen eggs. Then people from Yorkshire ran it until c1975. (M) Alan Sayer Subpostmaster from c1984. New extension built onto original shop in 1987 - Spar General stores. Present Subpostmistress Dorothy Sayer who took over in November, 1990 when her husband died. Full hours office with four mail rounds. 1. Leadenham -Moped, 2. Brant Broughton -Bicycle. 3. Village round - bicycle, 4.Beckingham and Stragglethorpe mail van from Lincoln which brings mail at 06.30 sorts and then does round. (B) Information from M. Houghton (MH) Jackie Birkett (B) Mrs. Dot Musson (M)

WELBY

POPULATION 1921 312

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

WELLINGORE

POPULATION 1921 538

1849 Post Office Directory P.O. J. Wilmot postmaster, ironmonger and grocer. Letters from London via Grantham by mail coach, in 09.30am out 3.30pm. Letters from Lincoln in 3.30pm out 9.30am.

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

To Brauncewell. R. Challans Tailor.

WELTON LINCOLN

POPULATION 1921 637

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

Mr. Cottingham Subpostmaster to March, 1938, replaced by Mrs. Houghton daughter of Subpostmaster at Welborne. After her father died (retired as Subpostmaster?) in 1930 (niece thought 1937) she had worked as a relief Subpostmistress. She would help new Subpostmaster get used to their offices on taking over. She also did 3 seasons at Skegness in the crown office etc. She remembers relieving at Billinghay. The old Subpostmaster was ill in bed. She made up C/A and thought he should sign it and took it to him. Unfortunately he crumpled it up so much she had to write it out again only to find out from his daughter that she normally signed them herself. She applied for Welton having agreed to purchase the business subject to being appointed. She was not interviewed and received a letter of appointment from the P.O.. Mail delivered by one f/t postmen and 3 p/t women. Mail in Welton and to Dunholme, Hackthorn, Coldhanworth and Cliffe area to just west of A15. (According to former post lady at Hackthorn mail work from Hackthorn transferred to Welton c1960's. Moped to Hackthorn, Cold Hanworth and towards Scampton, later van used). Telegrams delivered over a wide area including Scampton R.A.F. at first. Her and her assistant were kept busy early in the war delivering telegrams there. On her new bike it seemed no sooner had she returned than one or other would be off again. It was a drapery, grocery and general stores then. Long counters up each side with the P.O. Counter at the far end. War put immense pressure on P.O. Irish Troops at camp during war and large numbers of telegraph money orders sent. During one memorable week 300 sent one Friday and 500 in that week. TMO's sent on M.O. forms, they had a space for a message but not used very often. Up to £50 could be sent. Took until 10.30pm to clear the 300. TMO's sent via Lincoln. SU service message would be received if more Infomation required. It was often difficult to understand the Irish. Then Welton was the centre of repatriation etc of Poles from all parts of the country. Dunholme as a non M.O. office couldn't deal with overseas parcels and these came to Welton. Hackthorn was Tel exchange at first, business had to be done with only a party line shared with the (public phone?) on the Green. Lines short during war but eventually own line received. NSB books similar to brown covered ones since 1911. Not done any annuity or insurance business as far as she could remember. War bonds not popular. Savings certificates more popular than War Bonds. National Savings Week, all money paid for NSB for Welton at Bank's and P.O's read out in village. New NSB books kept at P.O., forms sent off daily. Cross entries made for foreign offices and entered on duplicated white form. Own office entries entered on single buff form. NS stamps available at 6d. and 2/6. SB busy, soldiers paid every two weeks - money put in first week and drawn out the second. Irish packed the shop solid, no movement across the shop while they were in. Mrs. Houghton later assisted by Mr. Thomas who started in the business as a paper boy. He then managed it and took over as Subpostmaster as a partnership c1971. He died in service in 1984 aged 57. Mrs. Houghton then had to come back in her 80's for a while to ensure continued operation. By then the front sitting room had been added to shop area and converted to P.O. Though Mrs. Houghton felt that adequate facilities were provided and the new sorting office required by the P.O. could have been provided in a rear warehouse it was decided after the business had been put up for sale for a while to move the P.O. to the COOP store. A new sorting office and a separate 2 position counter were provided in the store at 1 Ryland Road. The secretary of the COOP is the Subpostmaster and it is run by paid staff. Open 9-17.30 DAILY, 9-12.30 SAT lunch 1-2.15. 4 mail rounds now operated, mail from Lincoln at 06.35. 2 at Welton, 2 at Dunholme and a van for outlying areas returning to deliver parcels.

Information mostly from Mrs. Houghton 40 Cliffe Road

WELTON-LE-MARSH P.O.

POPULATION 1921 356

1933 Kelly’s lists a Post, T. & Tel Call Office (Telegrams Despatched But Not Delivered). Letters From Spilsby. W.

Brant Grocer.

may have been in a shop in West Lane prior to being moved to Westview.(B) Mrs. Brant Subpostmistress c1935. P.O. was in a shop now Westview to west of present site. Mr. Brant Subpostmaster took over about 1941 from his mother and got married. Present site was an empty shop, possibly owned by his recently deceased grandmother. Mr. Brant (JNR) probably moved P.O. to present site when he took over. Mrs Brant did post round to village and Thwaite Hall. Mr. Brant did a grocery round. Also staff to help in the shop.(B) Premises extended at west end in 1948(C) Mr. Chadwick Subpostmaster for 18 month from 1973 (C) Mrs. Clayforth Subpostmistress from March, 1975. F/T girobank office in one general stores in village. Mail from Spilsby. Also does a newspaper round. (C) In December, 2007 the office was earmarked for closure with an outreach replacement service as part of the 2,500-closure programme. INFORMATION from Mrs. Brant (B) & Mrs. Clayforth (C)

WELTON-LE-WOLD

POPULATION 1842 241, 1851 368, 1861 335, 1871 359, 1881 ?, 1891 289, 1901 260, 1911 222, 1921 232, 1931 182

According to Post Office records the office probably opened in 1880. The office offered the basic range of post office services. Mail was delivered to and dispatched from Louth. The 1882 Directory lists George Emerson as Subpostmaster and wheelwright. Between 1889 and 1892 he was replaced by William Frederick Rowson, the office probably remaining on the same site, as he was also a wheelwright, joiner and wagon builder. By 1896 he had been replaced by George Challis but by 1900 yet another Subpostmaster had been appointed – Mr. George Gant. Both men were listed as carpenters so again the office probably did not move. By 1881 had seen the introduction of the still familiar Postal Order. They were similar to money orders but designed for lower monetary values ranging from 1/- to 21/-. A rubber date stamp was provided in 1897 to cancel these, but orders could be issued but not paid. By 1905 Postal Orders could be issued and paid. Between 1905 and 1909 Mr. Walter Waddingham had been appointed be he too was short lived as by 1913 he had been replaced by George Clark. Both men were again carpenters. Between 1919 and 1922 yet another Subpostmaster was appointed, Mr. William Bartholomew Fenwick. The directories do not list any ancillary trade so the office may have moved when he took over. He continues until at least 1930. The 1933 and 1937 Kelly’s list a Post Office but the owner not listed. Between 1933 and 1937 a telephone call office facility was provided. (D)

More recent memories are that the office was originally in Red row on the north side of road at the western end of Springhead. Mr. Fenwick had his office located here. The final site was in the south side of Springhead in a small extension to the house, room for about 3 customers and office side about the same size. Mr. Hubert Sydney Ward was appointed in 1940 and then his wife Mrs. Florence Ward Subpostmistress from 1950 to 1958. Mrs. Jean Margaret Ward her daughter in law was Subpostmistress 1958-1975. She sold sweets and tins/packaged groceries. Mrs. Ann Ward again daughter in law was Subpostmistress since July 1975. The office operated on a non Cash Account office basis under Louth taking TV & Telephone bills. (W) The office closed on 30^th September, 1992. (D)

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

WEST ASHBY

POPULATION 1921 283

1933 Kelly’s lists a Post & Tel Call Office (Tel. Despatched Not Delivered). Letters From Horncastle. Mrs. A. Curtis Grocer.

P.O. sited in large redbrick house on east side of road at southern end. Has been a restaurant in more recent times. Was a general stores. The northernmost window was the P.O. and the southernmost the living room. Moses family then Hanson's ran it then Mr. George Curtis. He was Subpostmaster in 1927. His daughter Miss Adelaide Curtis took over and she ran it until she died and P.O. closed after 1945. She did mailwork in the village by bicycle.

INFORMATION Mr. & Mrs. John Cunnington John born 1904

WEST BUTTERWICK

POPULATION 1921 624

John Champion appointed in 1846.

1933 Kelly’s lists a Post, M.O., T. & T.E.D. Office. Letters From Scunthorpe. Mrs. A. Brown Shopkeeper. (D)

Was at some stage located on North Street. Now located at 15 West Street. Convenience stores with local newspapers only. Site has a one position counter in N.W. corner of shop. Opens 09.00-12.30 and 13.30-17.30 Monday-Saturday but closed Wednesday and Saturday afternoons.

Mr. & Mrs. Tom Hill ran Post Office from c1988-1999. Eddie (Edward) Hemmings an ex England & County Cricket Player then purchased the business. His wife Christine was appointed Subpostmistress. (H)

Information Directories/own Information/Information from P.O. records by Ken Smith (D). C. Hemmings, E.Wilson sales. (H)

WEST DEEPING

POPULATION 1841 306, 1851 361, 1861 349, 1871 328, 1881 285, 1891 265, 1901 318, 1911 302, 1921 387, 1931 287,

Official records indicate that a post office may not have opened prior to 1880 but Kelly’s Directory of 1876 lists John Pickering as acting as a tailor, grocer and Subpostmaster. Mail was delivered from Market Deeping. Whites Directory of 1882 also lists Mr. Pickering as a rate and tax collector. John possibly died about 1888 as the 1889 Kelly’s lists the Post Office opening times in the main part of the description but the only business listing is Mary Ann Pickering, Draper. 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 1890 to cancel these and this may well be the date they commenced sale here. They were on sale here by 1896. By 1892 Mr. William Henry Merrishaw had been appointed Subpostmaster, probably on the same site as the accompanying business was that of grocer, baker and beer retailer.

By 1905 Postal Orders could be issued and paid and from 1^st August 1907 mail started to be delivered from Peterborough. By 1913 William has probably died as Mrs. Emma Merrishaw was listed as Subpostmistress and shopkeeper. (D) She was his wife nee Toyne born 14th September 1862, died 4th September 1950.(C) She continued to at least by 1937. The office also acted as a telephone call office with the telephone number Market Deeping 335. The office closed on 25^th October, 1991.

Information- Directories/Information from P.O. records by Ken Smith. (D) Terri Collins (C)

Mail times received despatched

By 1876 6.40am 6.25pm

By 1885 6.30am 6.25pm

By 1892 6.30am 6.20am

By 1896 6.30am 6.30pm

By 1905 6.30am 6.35am, not Sunday

By 1909 6.30am & 6.40pm callers only 7.40am and 6.35pm (not Sunday)

By 1913 6.30am & 6.35pm 7.25am and 6.25pm (not Sunday)

WEST HALTON

POPULATION 1921 307

1933 Kelly’s lists a Post, M.O. & Tel Call Office. Letters From Scunthorpe. Owner not listed.

Early site was in the southernmost part of a row of two cottages on the south side of the eastern end of Winterton Road. Mr. Fred Leedham was Subpostmaster there by 1937. Mrs Lily Welch helped him run it. A counter with drawers underneath was used in the front living room with a curtain to segregate the P.O. from the rest of the room when the office was open. Mail was collected and delivered to West Halton Station and delivered in the village. One morning they couldn't find the keys to open the door. They had given them to a toddler in the house to play with and then forget that they had done so. The toddler had put the keys under a ledge. Mrs Welch also remembers a little boy coming in one day and asking for a 1/2d stamp and saying "and how much will it be?". Mr. Leedham passed the sub postmastership to Mr. Jim Jubb about 1943.(LW) Mr. Jubb also used his front room at the southern end of the group of cottages to the south of the present site. Again a curtain was used to divide the room as required. The cottage is now demolished. The present Subpostmistress Mrs. Margaret Oliver started work in 1951 at Mr. Drinkall's General Stores in the village. This is now No2 and where the wall post box is located. Mr. Drinkall also owned other shops, including Alkborough. When he died c1957 Mrs. Oliver went into partnership with Mr. Hutson. Mrs. Oliver then applied for the post office and transferred it from Mr. Jubb's probably in March 1966. Mailwork was not conducted then except from Christmas deliveries. Mr. Hotson died in 1970 and she continued the business. About 1983 she decided to close the shop and give her notice. She had arranged to move to the present site in Fairview Coleby Road. However, no one wanted to run the post office so she agreed to transfer it from the old site. A cash account was prepared at the stores site but credit stock arrangement operated at the present site. This was sent at first to Scunthorpe, then Doncaster and more latterly Sheffield. Since August, 1997 the opening hours have been reduced and the office operated on a community basis opening all day Monday and Thursday and Tuesday AM. The office only displays a vinyl sign in the window when the office is open. With the proposed introduction of Horizon a cash account is now again prepared towards the end of 1998. Just how Horizon will work here was at the time of our visit in June, 1999 was not clear as the space is so limited. The public enter a front conservatory and the screen and counter is at the bottom of the stairs with storage drawers underneath and that is all that is currently necessary to open the office.(MO) Information LW-Lilly Welch, MO-Margaret Oliver.

WEST KEAL

POPULATION 1861 511, 1871 493, 1881 395, 1891 314, 1901 298, 1911 284, 1921 281, 1931 281

Although not shown in official records the P.O. Business Directory of 1861 lists a Post Office with William Whittaker as Subpostmaster and shopkeeper. Mail was delivered from Spilsby. The office seems to have been short-lived as by 1868 William was just listed as a shopkeeper. A Post Office was opened in Keal Cotes to the South of West Keal in 1877. Post Office records indicate that the office was reopened in 1906 when a rubber datestamp was supplied. The 1909 Directory lists William Vickers as Subpostmaster at Vickers and Son who were grocers and drapers. Mail was delivered from Spilsby. By 1913 the business was also merchants of cake and coal. By 1933 a telephone call facility had been installed TN Spilsby 053 by 1937. Later run by Moult's in shop to c1960's on left hand side of the road coming from the east. The last Subpostmistress was Mrs. Parker, P.O. in cafe on right hand side of the road, then in her cottage just past there. Office closed by 1985.

Mail times received despatched

By 1861 8.00am 5.30pm

By 1909 6.50 and 12.30 9.25am and 6.15pm with no Sunday Delivery.

WESTON

POPULATION 1921 864

According to Post Office records this office opened in 1898. Letters received from and delivered to Spalding. The range of services offered included selling Postal Orders, which had been introduced in 1881. A rubber datestamp was provided to datestamp them on issue on opening in 1898.

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

Sited at 1 Small Drove, at S.W. corner of junction with main road. Counter facing west at rear of convenience store in S.E. corner. New Subpostmaster 1997? Mr. Tony Harrison

WESTON HILLS

According to Post Office records this office opened in 1894. Letters received from and delivered to Spalding. The range of services offered was extended by selling Postal Orders, which had been introduced in 1881 and probably started selling them from 1896 when a rubber datestamp was provided to datestamp them on issue.

1933 Kelly’s lists a Post Office. Letters From Spalding. Harlock & Lill Shopkeepers. (D)

The office was located at Austindyke in the 1970's. By 1980 office had been relocated to 337 Broadgate. (P) Ken Black was appointed Subpostmaster in 2001 (B) Opening hours 10.30-12.30? 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) Subpostmaster/Subpostmistess in 2000 (P)

WESTON ST. JOHN'S

According to Post Office records this office opened by 1952. Letters received from and delivered to Spalding.

Reopened 11^th October, 2005. (D)

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

WEST RASEN

POPULATION 1921 188

1933 Kelly’s lists a Post & Tel Call Office. Letters From Market Rasen. Mrs. H. Cooke owner

Lady ran P.O. for many years, her husband was village postman. Rooms very low upstairs. Living room behind shop where Subpostmistress used to wait for customers. In December, 2007 the office was earmarked for closure as part of the 2,500-closure programme. (A) Address - Mr. & Mrs. S. Hassey PO- INFORMATION Mrs. A. Mid Rasen

WEST STOCKWITH

WEST TORRINGTON

POPULATION 1921 143

1933 Kelly’s lists a Post Office. Letters From Lincoln. Mrs. F. Robinson Grocer

WESTWOODSIDE

Mailwork and Datapost Office Subpostmistress in 1992 was Mrs. R. Jane Smith. Mrs. Smith was there for 15-20 years and prior to that a Mr. Wilkinson had the office and he also used to do one of the mail rounds. (T) Office located in Brethergate. Opening hours 09.00 to 17.30 closing for lunch 12.00 to 13.00 and 13.00 for the day on Wednesday and 12.30 for the day on Saturday. The business is a general Stores, located in a bungalow. (D) Maggie Subpostmistress in 2006 having taken over from her sister. They took over from Mrs Smith in 2003

WHAPLODE

POPULATION 1921 2,357

1849 Post Office Directory P.O. R. Hogg postmaster, “Lamb and Flag”. Letters from Spalding, in 10.00am out 3.30pm.

1933 Kelly’s lists a Post & Tel Call Office. Letters From Spalding. J. Vincent Grocer

P.O. sited in Church Gate in traditional general store, retaining most of the old fittings. Counter facing south at N.E. end of office. Lovely set of old drawers on wall behind counter.

By 2007 office had moved to petrol station opening 09.00-17.30

WHAPLODE DROVE

POPULATION 1921 814

1933 Kelly’s lists a Post, M.O., T. & T.E.D. Office. Letters From Wisbech. Owner not listed. Office located at 54 Broadgate, has been located here for many years.(D)

Gwen and Alf Housely were at this office in 1957. They used to deliver mail from the office. They were replaced by Richard Draper assisted by his wife Moira by 1963. Tony Sturgeon appointed in 1992. From 1^st January, 2000 Anthony Cutts appointed. National Lottery office since first draw. General convenience stores branded as Four Boys Village Store with a Happy Shopper supplier. By 2007 opening 08.30-13.00 14.00-17.30 except 08.30-12.30 WED & SAT. Hanco ATM machine supplied but removed due to low usage by 2009. Counter located in N.W. Corner of the office. ©

Information Anthony Cutts and his assistant (C)

WHAPLODE ST. CATHERINES

P.O. was sited at S.E. corner of cross roads but has now moved further south and is now a part time office located in village hall. The Subpostmistress at Tydd using a mobile Horizon unit operates the office.

WHITTON

POPULATION 1921 183

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

Early site in first cottage on the Southern side of Post Office Lane known as the Telegraph Office. Miss Florence Jane Wells was the Subpostmistress for many years. She retired not long before she died in 1967 at Cleethorpes aged 93. In the 1940's the post office moved further east to the Eastern side of the bottom of Post Office Lane. It was sited in the second southernmost cottage of the terrace of four, now known as Marriots Cottages. Miss Gwen Bulleyment was Subpostmistress who had helped Miss Wells when she was unwell. The Office was in a small area curtained off from the living room. A wall George V post box was in situ until March 8th 1979. In 1978 the office moved to the main road and sited in what is now the old post office and was an existing shop, adjacent to the former Cobblers shop and opposite the former public house. Miss Gwen Bulleyment died in 1981 aged 79. Mrs. Nora Kirby was Subpostmistress with her husband Dick. The office had a small shop selling a few tins etc. They once had a burglary and the thieves played the organ but this didn't wake Mrs. and Mrs Kirby up. From 16th April, 1986 the final site was in a bungalow in Mill Lane to the south of the village green. It was run by the Coxall's for 2.5 to three years. Information Florence Wright

WICKENBY

POPULATION 1921 217

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

1935 sited in n. side of Lissington Road 1st white house going east on north side. Then next? to Mr. Marwood sited in council house on Snelland Road at south side of east end to west of Post box. He was dismissed for financial irregularity. Then Mrs. Southgate at west end of Snelland Road west side of semi-detached house built 1849 between the cottage and Old School House. Closed C1980

WIGTOFT

POPULATION 1921 712

1933 Kelly’s lists a Post, M.O. & Tel Call Office. Letters From Boston. W. Padley Baker, Parish Clerk.

Sited in small stores on main road in centre of village. Mr. Ron Pagley postmaster there since 1961 and his father was postmaster from 1927. Prior to that Woods family had the office. Mail work office until c1983 Mr. Padley used to deliver the mail in the parish himself. Present post office in southern part of two joined houses, his father had the office in the northern part,

WILLINGHAM-BY-STOW

POPULATION 1921 434

1900 Post M.O. S.B. A&I. Office Mrs. S. Bell Grocer & Subpostmistress mail from Gainsborough in 8.45 out 5pm Week days only 1933 Post M.O. & Tel. Call Office. W. Farmery Grocer & P.O. mail from Gainsborough. did mail work, former Subpostmaster Arnold Moor Re- opened 11.00 Monday 23/4/1990. Subpostmistress Mrs Susan Bingham, Orchard Farm, 3 High St. open 9-1730 daily except TUE & SAT to 1230

WILLOUGHBY

POPULATION 1921 517

1849 Post Office Directory P.O. W. Vessey receiver, butcher and baker. Letters from Spilsby, in 10.00am out 3.00pm.

Lincolnshire Life Feb 91 P33 photo Willoughby P.O. c 1906 Mr. Issac Epton ran P.O. and was a grocer is shown in his trap with his son Charles and daughter Muriel. Also photo seen P.O. on r/h corner, windows in roof, house end on opposite with 2 windows.

1933 Kelly’s lists a Post, T. & Tel Call Office (Telegrams Despatched But Not Delivered). Letters From Alford. I. Epton still Subpostmaster.

WILLOUGHBY

Grantham

WILLOUGHTON

POPULATION 1921 403

Sited at 2 Templefield Road, probably the only site of the Post Office. Building built mid 1800's for Mr. John Trevor and his family. (M)

1933 Kelly’s lists a Post, M.O. & Tel Call Office. Letters From Lincoln. J. Trevor Grocer. (D)

Mr. Ormund Henry Moore became Subpostmaster in 1932 or 1933, he was of Norwegian descent. Traded as a general stores including drapery. A side extension was built not long before 1939 to house a drapery business but this business didn't last long after 1945. His son Mr. Brian Moore took over from Ormund in June, 1973. His father though kept on working in the Post Office until he died aged over 80 in 1984/85. Office now the only shop in the village and a traditional village stores retaining the old shop front and metal P.O. sign. One bicycle mail work round in village to Kennington Cliff. Start 7.10, 7.35 -10.50. Shown P12 form used as a receipt for 5/- given to postman to take on round to give change for stamps etc. P12 form headed CREDIT STOCK and had columns for cash, stamps, health insurance stamps, unemployment insurance stamps and postal orders. Mail work was conducted until about 1978 or 1979 mail coming from Kirton Lindsey until cMarch, 1993 when mail concentrated to Gainsborough. One position Girobank C/A office originally under Scunthorpe but now under Grimsby. Sells YEB tokens and is in the Severn Trent Water area. Counter was in south wall but is now on the south side of the western wall. (M)

Information B. Moore (M)

WILSFORD

POPULATION 1921 595

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

By 2007 opening 09.00-12.30 14.00-17.30 except WED & SAT 09.00-12.30

WINTERINGHAM

POPULATION 1851 824, 1861 858, 1871 779, 1881 671, 1891 584, 1901 595, 1911 606, 1921 747, 1931 797. Electoral Roll in 1997 about 800.

According to Post Office records the office probably opened when an undated circular datestamp was supplied to the office in 1846.

The 1849 Post Office Directory lists a Post Office offering basic services run by Hercules Barnett postmaster and shopkeeper. Letters were dispatched from and delivered to Barton-On-Humber. By 1855 mail arrangements were altered and Brigg became responsible for the mail deliveries. Barnett’s business was described as a grocer and draper. (D) Edmund Bickell who was born in 1833 in Bristol was by 1857 the schoolmaster in the village. Prior to that he “was for some time School-master in the Village of Miss Charlotte Bronte's home at Haworth and Mr. Bickell has vivid recollections of Miss Bronte.” (K)

Subpostmaster Winteringham

By 1868 Edmund Bickell had taken over the post office business. He was also a grocer and draper so the location was probably the same which was West End. From 1^st October, 1884 the mail arrangements again changed and Doncaster became the despatch office. From 1^st August, 1885 the range of services offered at the office was extended and Money Order and Savings Bank Business could be conducted. The range of services was further extended from 18^th January, 1898 when a telegraph was installed (Code WNX). (D) In 1901 Bickell was married to Elizabeth, who was 70 and had been born in Nottingham. They also had a 17-year-old servant at the time called Irene Bell from the village. (K) By 1905 the range of services offered was Post, Money Orders (includes postal orders), Telegraph, Telegraphed Money Orders, Express Delivery, Parcel Post, Savings Bank and Annuities and insurance.

A circular mentions that the office was temporarily closed on 5^th November, 1918. The reason for this is not known. Edmund did not die until 1924 but possibly at 86 in 1918 he was taken ill? The 1919 Kelly’s Directory lists Mrs. Martha E. Robinson as Subpostmistress and shopkeeper so she may be the person involved as the 1922 Directory lists Mrs Ellen Waddingham. Her husband Henry was listed as a grocer so the Post Office may well have still been located on the original site. In common with other offices in the area the rise of Scunthorpe as a town was reflected by it becoming responsible for the mail deliveries from 13^th March, 1921. By 1926 ownership had again changed with Bertram Richards listed as Subpostmaster with his wife Mrs M. J. listed as a shopkeeper. By that date a Telephonic Express Delivery Service was offered. The 1930 Directory has no listing of the Post Office. However, the 1933 Kelly’s lists Mrs Annie L. Wardle as Subpostmistress and Grocer and she may well have taken over directly from Richards as she was listed as a grocer in the 1930 Directory. Annie continued to at least 1937 by which time a telephone had been fitted No. Winterton 13.

Post Office was sited on current site at 2 Highburgate in c 1947.

It later moved to 3 West End, a bow windowed fronted shop with a GR wall box. Mr. Lawrence was Subpostmaster there for quite a few years before handing it on to Mr. Johnson.

About 1965

About 1967

He had it for about 2 years before being asked to resign and Mr. Wingate was asked to consider taking on the office as soon as possible. It therefore moved back to 2 Highburgate In the event his daughter in law Mrs. Mairi J. Wingate was appointed c1987 and was at that time one of the youngest Sub postmistresses at 21 years of age. Her father of Scottish descent has owned the well-stocked general stores and newsagents since c1984. The office opens 9- 12.30, 1.30-1.30 with half days on Wednesday and Saturday. The one position office is located in a small area at rear of the shop. Sells Gas Tokens, has a APT machine and does National Lottery Scratch Cards.

About 1990 Winteringham 2006 May 2006

Mairi resigned in May, 2005 to take over Barton On Humber Post Office.

Mail times received despatched

By 1849 1.30pm 11.30am.

By 1855 noon 3.30pm. not Sundays

By 1868 10.00am 3.30pm. not Sundays

By 1872 10.00am 3.35pm. not Sundays

By 1885 8.15am 5.15pm. not Sundays

By 1889 8.30am 5.15pm. not Sundays

By 1892 8.40am 5.15pm. not Sundays

By 1900 8.40am 5.45pm not Sundays

By 1905 8.40am 8.45 & 5.45pm. not Sundays

By 1909 8.40am, 3.00pm 8.45 & 5.45pm. not Sundays

By 1913 8.50am, 3.05pm 8.30, 3.25 & 5.35pm. not Sundays

By 1990 9.00am and 4.45pm.

Information- Directories/Information from P.O. records by Ken Smith. (D) 1912 Guide to Winteringham/John Kirk (K) Mr. Wingate (W)

Photographs copyright John Kirk

WINTERTON

POPULATION 1851 1665, 1861 1780, 1871 1757, 1881 1601, 1891 1400, 1901 1361, 1911 1426, 1921 1693, 1931 1958.

The 1826 Directory mentions that Henry Gilding acted as a postman despatching to and delivering from Glandford Brigg. According to Post Office records the office probably opened in 1832 with a penny post service being offered. The local Postmaster would charge 1d. to deliver letters locally but mail to be sent further away would cost much more. This is an early date for a Post Office to be established in a town of this size, as many Post Offices did not open until the universal penny post was introduced in 1840. Mail was delivered from Brigg and an undated circular datestamp was supplied to the office on 4^th February, 1841. The 1842 Post Office business directory lists Henry Gilding as “postman” with letters being received and dispatched daily. The 1849 Post Office Directory lists a Post Office offering basic services run by H. Gilding receiver. Although Post Office records make no mention the Directory refers to letters being dispatched from and delivered to Barton-On-Humber. From 1^st July, 1852 the range of services was extended and Money Orders could be issued and paid. The office was open from 9.00am until 6pm for this service.

By 1855 (William) Samuel Frow is listed as receiver and boot and shoemaker. The office probably changed location when he took over. His wife Mary was a straw bonnet maker. In agreement with official records Mail is listed as again being delivered from Brigg. The range of services was again extended on 30^th December, 1861 when a Post Office Savings Bank was established at the office. Reference is also made to a mail cart being used to and from Brigg. By 1868 Miss Charlotte Frow is listed as the straw bonnet maker and in common with other Savings Bank Offices Annuity and Insurance Business could be conducted. In 1870 a telegraph was installed (Code WKT). By 1872 White’s Directory lists Miss Charlotte Frow as Subpostmistress and straw bonnet maker so William had either died or retired by them. The address is shown as 10 Market Street. Miss Emma Rebecca Frow, presumably Charlotte’s sister is listed as a milliner and dressmaker. By 1882 the business is listed as a stationers and Emma as a milliner, dressmaker and baby linen repository.

From 1^st October, 1884 Brigg was replaced by Doncaster as the mail delivery office. The Directories also mention that a mailcart was used to bring the mail to and from Appleby Station. Between 1892 and 1896 Miss Sarah June Frow, who was presumably a younger sister, replaced Charlotte as Subpostmistress. Emma continued as a milliner.

Between 1909 and 1913 Frederick Thomas Chapman was appointed as Subpostmaster. (D) Local recollections confirm that the office moved to the Drug Store in King Street at that time. Freddy Chapman was Subpostmaster for many years and also a chemist. His brother was Postmaster at Brigg. (F) In common with other offices in the area the rise of Scunthorpe as a town was reflected by it becoming responsible for the mail deliveries from 13^th March, 1921. By 1926 a telephone had been installed TN1 and by 1930 Mr. Chapman had been appointed a J.P.

The 1933 Kelly’s lists the services offered as Post, Money Orders, Telegraph and Telegraph Express Delivery. (D)

Mr. Alexander appointed Subpostmaster by 1956. He moved the Post Office to the present site in August c1965 as he did not want to renew the lease on the previous premises, as there were no toilets etc. Office is now situated at 4 High Street, Graham Fillingham has been the Subpostmaster since December, 1985. Mail work office to April, 1993. Five rounds on bicycles were conducted and telegrams also delivered to Roxby. By 1994 Graham had also taken over Broughton Post Office and his sons Mark and Simon now run Winterton. Two position office with MVL, YEB tokens, gas keys and Lottery Instants. Richard Jackson Computer used prior to introduction of Horizon. Was just a post office but now also sells cards. More recently gas keys have been replaced by quantum and contract to issue them lost to local garage with long opening hours. (F)

Mail times received despatched

By 1826 Monday and Saturday out 7.00am return 4.00pm, Tuesday out 2.00pm return 9.00pm

By 1842 Daily mail collection and delivery.

By 1849 12.00am 1.00pm.

By 1855 10.45am 4.00pm

By 1861 11.00am 4.00pm no Sunday delivery or dispatch

By 1868 9.45am 4.00pm no Sunday delivery or dispatch

By 1872 10.00am 3.50pm no Sunday delivery or dispatch

By 1885 8.00am mail cart 5.30pm no Sunday delivery or dispatch

By 1892 8.17am mail cart 5.30pm no Sunday delivery or dispatch

By 1896 8.17am, 7.10pm mail cart 9.10, 5.30pm Doncaster 7.10pm Hull no Sunday delivery or dispatch

By 1900 8.17am, 7.10pm mail cart 9.10, 5.55pm Doncaster 7.10pm Hull no Sunday delivery or dispatch

By 1905 8.17am, 7.10pm mail cart 9.00, 5.55pm Doncaster 7.20pm Hull no Sunday delivery or dispatch

By 1913 8.30am, 2.10pm 7.15pm 9.15, 5.55pm 7.30pm no Sunday delivery or dispatch

Information- Directories/Information from P.O. records by Ken Smith. (D) Fillinghams (F)

WISPINGTON

WITHAM-ON-THE-HILL

POPULATION 1921 388

1849 Post Office Directory P.O. A. Seaton receiver and master of Free School. Letters by footpost from Bourn, in 09.30am out 4.00pm. winter, 6.00pm summer.

1933 Kelly’s lists a Post, T. & T.E.D. Office. Letters From Bourne. G. Todd Boot Maker.

WITHERN

POPULATION 1921 361

1849 Post Office Directory P.O. Mrs. R. Desforges receiver. Letters from Alford, in 09.00am out 4.30pm.

1933 Kelly’s lists a Post, M.O., T. & T.E.D. Office. Letters From Alford. W. Swaby Grocer, Draper, Clothier, Boot & Shoe Dealer, Ironmonger, The Supply Stores.

Withern post office 1960's? Situated in general stores,

Office probably changed hands in 1992.

WOLD NEWTON

POPULATION 1921 134

1933 Kelly’s lists a Post Office. Letters From Binbrook. Owner not listed.

Closed c1980. Last Subpostmistress was Dolly (Dorothy) Lammiman. She was there many years and retired in her 60's to go into a home.

WOODHALL SPA

POPULATION 1931 1,750

From Museum - In 1886 Mr. James Sharpe had shop and P.O. at Chapman's Corner - South corner of Tattershall Road and Kirkstead Road. Mr. Pacey Subpostmaster by 2/5/1901 to 1919. His daughter said that living at the P.O. you always knew if Zeppelins were in the area as the air raid wardens spent a lot of time in the dining room. Mr. Pacey became Subpostmaster at Bedale.

1933 Kelly’s lists a Post, M.O., T. & T.E.D. Office. Mail To Roughton. Mrs. J. Cade Shopkeeper. Office located at Mill Lane.

Recent Subpostmaster Mr. Derek Thorpe - 1980's(son of Subpostmaster Digby -HB Tattershall) Subpostmaster Mr. A. Benson by 1992 and on 26/3/1996. Mailwork Office mail from Lincoln via Horncastle arrives 06.35

WOOLSTHORPE

POPULATION 1841 674, 1851 632, 1861 632, 1871 656, 1881 598, 1891 594, 1901 640, 1911 618, 1921 607, 1931 607,

The 1849 P.O. directory makes no mention of a post office in the village but this agrees with Post Office records that the office appears to have opened in February, 1854 when an undated circular datestamp was provided. The 1855 P.O. directory lists an existing tailor, William Lane, as Subpostmaster. Mail was delivered from and despatched to Grantham. Apart from the addition of draper to tailor in the listings of 1872 William continued just offering the basic level of service.

By 1885 Mr. John Griffiths had been appointed Subpostmaster. He was also listed as a shoemaker so the office may well have moved to new premises particularly as William Lane was still listed in the 1885 Kelly’s Directory . He extended the services offered by selling Postal Orders, which had been introduced in 1881 and probably started selling them from 1886 when a rubber datestamp was provided to datestamp them on issue. John probably died as by 1889 Mrs. Martha Ann Griffiths had been appointed Subpostmistress, (his wife?).

Between 1896 and by 1900 J. Wright had been replaced her as Subpostmaster. He may have taken over as early as 1^st April, 1897 as on that date the office services were expanded to include Money Order and Savings Bank including Annuity and Insurance business (D). Alas, his tenure was short lived as he died on 26^th January, 1901 (ER). The range of services was further expanded on 12^th February, 1901 a telegraph was installed (Code WUF) (D). Mrs. Ellen Wright his wife was then appointed (D/ER). The installation of a telegraph enabled the office to conduct Telegraphic Money Orders and Express Delivery business. Further changes were made by 1909 as by then Cecil F. Kemp had been appointed. Again he appears to have been replaced by his wife, as Mrs. Louisa (listed as Lily in 1922 Kelly) A. Kemp was Subpostmistress by 1922. As well as the post office she was also listed as a stationer. She continued until at least 1930 but the 1933 Kelly’s Directory lists C. Locke as Subpostmaster and shopkeeper. By 1933 a Telephone Call Office facility was provided.

However, by 1937 ownership again changed and Welborn Bros. Operated the Post Office and were also cycle repairers. The telephone number was Knipton 63 (D). This may be the site known as the alley as the office was located in a house on the south side. By c1990 the office was located in Main Street to the north of the present site in Ringtree Cottage, a modern house with a wall at the front. Mr. & Mrs. Vines operated the office until they retired (O). Mrs. E. C. Vines was Subpostmistress in 1992 (D). The office was though temporarily closed from 27^th August to 28^th October, 1999 (D). It was reopened in a freestanding vegetable shop and general stores to the south of the previous site. Mr. Jim Mival was appointed Subpostmaster (O). In December, 2007 the office was earmarked for closure with an outreach replacement service as part of the 2,500-closure programme.

Information- (D)Directories/Information from P.O. records by Ken Smith. (ER) Elizabeth Roach. (O) P.O. Assistant.

Mail times received despatched

By 1855 10.30am 3.30pm

By 1861 8.45am 3.00pm

By 1868 8.45am 5.00pm

By 1872 7.45am 5.45pm

By 1885 7.22am 6.00pm

By 1889 7.30am 6.00pm week days only

By 1892 7.45am 5.45pm week days only

By 1900 7.15am 6.00pm week days only

By 1905 7.15am and 1.40 2.40pm and 5.58pm week days only

By 1919 as 1905 but from 1922 no times are listed in directories.

WOOTON

POPULATION 1841 529, 1851 606, 1861 597, 1871 597, 1881 580, 1891 506, 1901 439, 1911 463, 1921 418, 1931 ?,

The 1841 census records a Charles Marris as being "foot post " so probably he conveyed mail from Barton to the village.

The office probably opened in 1848 when an undated circular datestamp was supplied. The 1849 Directory lists Edwards Marshall as postmaster with mail being delivered from Barton On Humber. Although not confirmed by P.O. records the 1851 Directory shows mail arriving from Hull and also that Marshall was a boot and shoemaker. From 6^th October, 1851 mail was delivered from Ulceby and in 1855 a new undated circular datestamp was supplied.

A rubber datestamp was supplied in 1886 probably to enable Postal Orders to be datestamped on issue and certainly this facility was introduced by 1889. Between 1900 and 1905 Miss Maud Marshall, possibly his daughter, replaced Edward. Also on 23^rd June, 1903 a telegraph was installed (code VTN). An EVII datestamp WOOTON ULCEBY has been seen. The directories show that by 1905 the range of facilities at the office was extended to include Money Order, Telegraph Money Orders, Express Delivery, Parcel Post, Savings Bank and Annuity and Insurance Business. The telegraph office was open daily but only 8am to 10am on Sunday. By 1909 Alfred Pool had been appointed Subpostmaster and was also a Shopkeeper so the location may have changed. By 1913 the Sunday telegraph hours were reduced to 8.30 to 10am. Pool continued until at least 1926 but by 1930 he had been replaced by Herbert Green who continued until at least 1937. In 1974 a South Humberside datestamp was issued. The next Information that I have is that the Subpostmistress was Mrs. E. Scott on 26/3/1996.

Mail times received despatched

By 1849 11.30 2.00

By 1851 11.00 4.00

By 1861 9.00 4.30

By 1872 8.30 4.30

By 1876 7.45 5.30

By 1882 8.15 4.30

By 1885 9.00 4.30

By 1889 8.15 4.30

By 1892 8.15 & 7pm 4.30 & 7.00

By 1896 8.10 & 7.30pm* 4.35 & 7.30 *to be called for only

By 1900 8.10 & 7.00pm* 5.00 & 7.00 *to be called for only

By 1905 8.05 & 7.00pm* 5.00 & 7.00 *to be called for only

By 1909 8.05 & 7.00pm* 5.00 & 7.00 *to be called for only

By 1913 7.35 & 7.00pm* 5.20 & 7.00 *to be called for only

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

WORLABY

POPULATION 1921 467

1933 Kelly’s lists a Post, M.O. & Tel Call Office. Letters From Brigg. T. Bradshaw Grocer (DIR)

Sited in Main Street (Recently renumbered 17) for 70-80 years at least. Has been a shop since 1840. Bramhall family ran it, then Mrs. Houlton. Mrs. Joan Vickers Sub Postmistress from c1963/64. Was a mail office during part of her appointment. Front porch extension to shop there before 1975 but altered by Mr. Ellis. Mrs. Jackeline Ellis Sub Postmistress from October, 1975. Her and her husband bought is to give her a job until her children left school (In 1993 one is now 27!). Mr. Ellis does shift work and an assistant comes 2 days a week to work in shop. F/T C/A office mail from Brigg, REM from Hull not YEB tokens.

INFORMATION J.Ellis

WRAGBY

POPULATION 1921 463

1849 Post Office Directory P.O. W. Pickering, post office, grocer and draper. Royal Mail Coach calls at Turnor Arms from Lincoln at 8.00am to Louth, returns 6.00pm daily. Mail cart from Lincoln to Horncastle calls at Turnor Arms 7.15am returns 6.00pm daily.

1933 Kelly’s lists a Post, M.O., T. & T.E.D. Office. Letters From Lincoln Mail To Panton, Sotby, East Torrington. Office located in Market Place.

Geoffrey Mollneux Sutton 1909-1963 was listed Subpostmaster in 1933. Was Postmaster, draper and outfitter (DS) Bernard Frederick Melton appointed Subpostmaster c1963. He was Subpostmaster in name only, and the office was bought for his son Brian Melton to work it. Brian became Subpostmaster there in his own right c1968 and stayed there to c1983. Mailwork office.(BM) Glenn Marfitt appointed 22/6/1994 (GM)

info B.M.,GM, David Sutton(DS)

WRANGLE

POPULATION 1851 1196, 1861 1198, 1871 1279, 1881 1165, 1911 1080, 1921 1,142

According to Post Office records a penny post mail service was provided in the village in 1830. Mail was delivered from Boston. An undated circular datestamp was provided on 28^th October, 1847. Surprisingly no record of the existence of a Post Office appears in the 1849 Post Office Directory. The 1855 Directory does however, list a Post Office offering basic services with M. Bantoft acting as receiver/postmaster and butcher. Mail was delivered from and despatched to Boston. By 1868 he had been succeeded by Miss A. Rose, probably at a different location. M. Bantoft had probably died as S. Bantoft is listed as the butcher. The 1872 Whites Directory again lists a different Postmaster Mr. R. Osborne (Osborn in 1876 Directory). As with Rose no ancillary business is listed. Again a new appointment had been made by 1882 Mr. J. Haynes who was also a blacksmith and farmer. In later Directories he is also described as a shoeing and general smith, implement maker, agent and repairer, farmer and agent to Liverpool, London and Globe Insurance Co. In 1889 a rubber datestamp was supplied probably to enable postal orders to be franked when issued, although as with many other smaller offices they could not be paid. These orders had been introducted in 1881 and are still familiar. They were similar to money orders but designed for lower monetary values ranging from 1/- to 21/-.

Current location photo c1910

By 1909 the range of services was extended to include Money Orders, Savings Banks and Annuity and Insurance Business. Unlike most offices Post Office records do not indicate the exact date. By 1919 a Telephone Call Office facility had been provided and C. Hall had been appointed and was also listed as a shopkeeper. This may have been when the office moved to the current location shown in the photo above. Between 1922 and 1926 he was replaced by J. H. Watson, also a Shopkeeper. On 1^st June 1934 a Telegraph was fitted (code VRE) but unusually the 1937 Kelly's Directory specifically mentions that Telegraph Money Order business was not performed. The Directories finish in 1937 so I am not sure how many years Watson continued. The next information I have is that in 1992 M W Aisthorpe was the Subpostmaster. Half day closing was Wednesday. The office was temporarily closed between 22^nd October, 1998 and 4^th November, 1998.

WRANGLE COMMON

House and shop built in Broadgate in 1952. Mrs. Annie Piggims applied to run a P.O. and opened it in June, 1953. The Post Office Circular quotes a date of 4^th August, 1954. Mail was delivered from and despatched to Boston. She ran it until her daughter Mrs. Ros(amund) A Featherstone took over on 8th July, 1982. Girobank office run in conjunction with General stores and newspapers. Half day closing was Tuesday.

Information RF

WRAWBY

POPULATION 1921 841

1933 Kelly’s lists a Post & Tel Call Office. Letters From Brigg. Mrs. M. Standeiline Grocer

Post Office was sited further south in Vicarage Road on the North side of the green the westernmost of 3 cottages (the easternmost is now the fish and chip shop). Mrs. Standerline was the Subpostmistress and it was in her front room. Now situated in Central Stores Vicarage Road a small general stores. Box for post office counter with ante room behind. Girobank F/T C/A office. Mail from Brigg, Rem from Hull. Mr. Ralph Riggall Subpostmaster since it was moved c1960. His son also Ralph was paid as a builder to move the postbox. Ralph junior succeeded his father as Subpostmaster in c1977. Mrs. Riggall serves in he shop and post office most of the time. One lunchtime she arrived back 3 minutes late to find a man who harshly berated her "what time do you call this". She felt this was unreasonable and asked him who he thought he was only to find out it was the Area Manager Mr. MacLaughlan. Business has improved since taking over the village newspapers.

WROOT

POPULATION 1921 375

1933 Kelly’s lists a Post, M.O., T. & T.E.D. Office. Letters From Doncaster. R. Maw Butcher. (D)

The office is located in the High Street. Nancy Hinchcliffe appointed c1965 and ran the business with her husband Bert. They converted the premises from one small cottage to the present house and shop. They ran the business for three or four years and were followed by Guy Edwards who was a retired Army Colonel. He ran the business for about four years until Mrs Maureen Taylor was appointed in 1973. She has run the business with her husband Donald although until recently he had his own job. Office is located in a remote part of the Isle of Axholme and is located in the North Lincolnshire Council area. (T) The usual basic range of post office services are offered from a one-position office which also has a general stores included.

Information Directories/own Information/Information from P.O. records by Ken Smith (D) Maureen Taylor (T)

WYBERTON

POPULATION 1921 667

listed 1914

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

closed by 1964 replaced by Pin Cushion

YARBOROUGH/YARBURGH

POPULATION 1921 148

According to Post Office records the office opened by July, 1892. The 1896 Kelly's Directory lists John King as Subpostmaster offering a basic range of Post Office Services. He was also a shopkeeper. 1881 had seen the introduction of the still familiar Postal Order. They were similar to money orders but designed for lower monetary values ranging from 1/- to 21/-. A rubber date stamp was provided in 1897 to cancel these but as with most small offices they could only be issued but not paid. Mail was delivered from and dispatched to Louth. Between 1900 and 1905 Miss Harriett King replaced John as Subpostmistress. She was probably his daughter and the businesses was that of a grocers and known as King's Stores. As with most offices by this date Postal Orders could be issued and paid. By 1909 Harriet had married a Mr. Baldock although the businesses was still King's Stores. However, by 1909 Walter James Baldock was listed as the shopkeeper and was also a carrier to Louth. Between 1919 and 1923 Walter James appears to have died as no mention is made of him. Between 1926 and 1933 Harriett was replaced as Subpostmaster by Walter Snowden Baldock who was probably her son. Between 1933 and 1937 a telephone call office facility was installed. Walter Snowden was still in office in 1937 but have no information beyond that date.

Surprisingly the office was provided with a telegraph on 1^st March, 1946 (Code YRD). By 1957 official records indicate that the office was named Yarburgh. It closed on 31^st August, 1983. The final site (and possibly only site) was on the north side of King Street a house about halfway down the road with some wood beams attached to the outside.

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

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