THE HISTORY
Designed by Architect Walter Pott the Abingdon Street Post office first opened its doors to the public on 8th November 1910. It served the public until 12th September 2007 when it closed its doors for the final time.
Alterations were made in 1930 with the addition of the Telephone exchange designed by architect Charles Wilkinson.
The building is listed with Grade II status.
An extract from The Blackpool Gazette 8th November 1910
"The public office is very handsomely finished off, and there is accommodation for dealing with a big pressure of business when the crowd gets inside. The only word of criticism possible is in connection with the entrance of the new Post Office, and to the position of the posting boxes, and it is indeed regrettable that the responsible officials have not given the same thought to the comfort and convenience of the general public with the outside arrangements, as has obviously been given to the internal details. There is only a single entrance to the public office, and we are afraid that there will be a lot of jostling experienced in getting in and out when the busy time comes round again next season. The corner in which the posting boxes have been placed is unfortunate. With a hundred people endeavouring to post their letters at one time the weaker members of the crowd must suffer [In the public office] there is a horse-shoe counter, about 70 ft long, for the sale of stamps, postal orders, and general business. Ample table space, for the writing of telegrams and post-cards, is provided, for all along the wall, under the windows, there are no less than 24 compartments for this purpose, whilst round the two pillars in the centre of the spacious office, are further compartments for writing purposes. The desks, instead of having a surface of wood, have glass substituted so that there is always a smooth surface on which to write. The counter, is divided into various compartments, one for telegrams, another for stamps, and others for parcels, etc. To the left is the department for the Public Phone. A room being set aside for this business, and a number of silence cabinets are provided to secure the necessary privacy for those using the telephone service. The furnishings of the public office are very pleasing, all the woodwork has been done in polished teak, with the exception of the tops to the counter and desks and these are of polished mahogany. The general beauty of the interior is considerably enhanced by the fine screen on the counter, by which the public is separated from the staff. A well designed "gauze" of bronze takes the place of the old, familiar wire network, and at the head of each electric standard is an oval section set off with the letters "ERVII", from which rise the globe and electric lights. The walls of this grand "Salle publique", as well as of the public telephone department, are lined to a height of 8 ft with faience and the floor is laid with an excellent design in marble mosaic."
Post Card View of the Building
THE EXPLORE
It's been over 2 years since the last time I got out doing any form of urban exploring. After being shown around this place a few weeks back by some friends I just had to go back with the camera and tripod to capture some proper images. we even managed to do a bit of light painting.
It isn't much more than a shell inside now which is a shame but there was still a few points of interest to be shot and plenty of decay!
THE GROUND FLOOR
DSS Mexford House drawer.
Sorting Slots for Letters.
Safe of some description.
Original Entrance wooden casing with the King George V GR Cipher.
Sorting Slots for Letters & Pens.
Remains of the Post Office counter.
Side Door wooden casing with the King George V GR
THE FIRST FLOOR
SECOND FLOOR & EXTERNALS STILL TO COME
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Designed by Architect Walter Pott the Abingdon Street Post office first opened its doors to the public on 8th November 1910. It served the public until 12th September 2007 when it closed its doors for the final time.
Alterations were made in 1930 with the addition of the Telephone exchange designed by architect Charles Wilkinson.
The building is listed with Grade II status.
An extract from The Blackpool Gazette 8th November 1910
"The public office is very handsomely finished off, and there is accommodation for dealing with a big pressure of business when the crowd gets inside. The only word of criticism possible is in connection with the entrance of the new Post Office, and to the position of the posting boxes, and it is indeed regrettable that the responsible officials have not given the same thought to the comfort and convenience of the general public with the outside arrangements, as has obviously been given to the internal details. There is only a single entrance to the public office, and we are afraid that there will be a lot of jostling experienced in getting in and out when the busy time comes round again next season. The corner in which the posting boxes have been placed is unfortunate. With a hundred people endeavouring to post their letters at one time the weaker members of the crowd must suffer [In the public office] there is a horse-shoe counter, about 70 ft long, for the sale of stamps, postal orders, and general business. Ample table space, for the writing of telegrams and post-cards, is provided, for all along the wall, under the windows, there are no less than 24 compartments for this purpose, whilst round the two pillars in the centre of the spacious office, are further compartments for writing purposes. The desks, instead of having a surface of wood, have glass substituted so that there is always a smooth surface on which to write. The counter, is divided into various compartments, one for telegrams, another for stamps, and others for parcels, etc. To the left is the department for the Public Phone. A room being set aside for this business, and a number of silence cabinets are provided to secure the necessary privacy for those using the telephone service. The furnishings of the public office are very pleasing, all the woodwork has been done in polished teak, with the exception of the tops to the counter and desks and these are of polished mahogany. The general beauty of the interior is considerably enhanced by the fine screen on the counter, by which the public is separated from the staff. A well designed "gauze" of bronze takes the place of the old, familiar wire network, and at the head of each electric standard is an oval section set off with the letters "ERVII", from which rise the globe and electric lights. The walls of this grand "Salle publique", as well as of the public telephone department, are lined to a height of 8 ft with faience and the floor is laid with an excellent design in marble mosaic."
Post Card View of the Building
THE EXPLORE
It's been over 2 years since the last time I got out doing any form of urban exploring. After being shown around this place a few weeks back by some friends I just had to go back with the camera and tripod to capture some proper images. we even managed to do a bit of light painting.
It isn't much more than a shell inside now which is a shame but there was still a few points of interest to be shot and plenty of decay!
THE GROUND FLOOR
DSS Mexford House drawer.
Sorting Slots for Letters.
Safe of some description.
Original Entrance wooden casing with the King George V GR Cipher.
Sorting Slots for Letters & Pens.
Remains of the Post Office counter.
Side Door wooden casing with the King George V GR
THE FIRST FLOOR
SECOND FLOOR & EXTERNALS STILL TO COME
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Last edited:
