The sign on the old post office now proudly announces Brian’s Village Shop. Brian is selling the usual essentials such as milk, bread, rolls and tins of soup along with eggs, sausages, ham, bacon and cheese. The shop is now open from Monday until Sunday noon and also has newspapers, magazines and cards.
John Hickinbottom says:
Next time you post a letter at Brian's shop take a look at the pillar box.
You will be gazing upon one of the rarest types of ER2 post box.
There is no other known example in a British public place other than the Postal Museum on the Isle of Wight.
The Pratts Bottom post box is known as a 'Nigerian' pillar box but none were actually sent to Nigeria.
In late 1978 the moulds for making the size of the standard pillar box became worn out.
A new design had been developed but was not yet in production, so in order to fill the gap, a small supply of boxes was sourced from a Scottish company making cheaper boxes for export.
The cheaper boxes were made in one piece, plus the door moulding.
That is why, unlike the three piece standard box there are no decorative flutes around the edge of the top cap.
They also had weak door hinges which led to the 'Nigerian' boxes being replaced within a few years.
The Pratts Bottom box is a survivor. Keep your eye on it!
Tony Lavelle - email webmaster@prattsbottom.co.uk
© 2009 Pratts Bottom