Posting Box Built Into Front Wall Of Number 1 Ivy Cottages (Post Office)

The posting box, built into the front wall of Number 1 Ivy Cottages (Post Office), dates from 1860 and is the earliest of its kind in Hertfordshire. It was moved to its current position in 1922 from the wall of the Manor Lodge. This cast iron box is painted red and features a narrow rectangular upright panel measuring 30 inches by 10 inches. It has a flat pedimented top with a hood below that displays 'POST OFFICE' in raised letters. Below the hood is a small postal aperture with a metal flap, and on the lower rim, it reads 'LETTER BOX'.

The door of the box is divided into three horizontal panels. The top panel features the royal cypher 'V R' with a crown and the words 'CLEARED AT'. The middle panel is left blank for temporary notices regarding the times of clearing, while the bottom panel includes the keyhole and lock. Below the door, there is a large plain panel, and the maker's name, 'SMITH AND HAWKES BIRMINGHAM', is inscribed on the bottom rim. Wall boxes were introduced in 1857.