The Post Office

The Post Office is a building located in Bradford-on-Avon, constructed in 1901 and extended in 1936. It is made of randomly coursed squared Bath stone and features a Roman tile roof, designed in the Arts and Crafts style to blend into its mixed urban surroundings. The building has two storeys and attics, with a four-bay front facing The Shambles. The 1936 extension likely comprises the two left bays, while the Edward VIII cipher and date are found on bay three.

From the left, the entrance bay includes a taking-in door for mailbags, situated under a hood. There is a large five-light small-paned mullion and transom window with an integral clock and posting box, along with a five-light window above it. Bays three and four may have been refaced in 1936, featuring three-light mullion and transom windows flanking the door, which also has a hood supported by brackets, and three-light windows above.

The corner of the building is accentuated by a bartizon turret with a three-light window. The return front consists of three bays: bay one has a two-light mullion and transom window below and a four-light window in the attic gable, while bay two features two two-light mullion and transom windows with a five-light window above and a segmental-headed gable. There are two corbelled stacks, and the third bay is simpler and may also date from 1936.

This post office retains its 1936 appearance and is notable for carrying a very rare cipher. It is centrally located in Bradford-on-Avon and holds significant group value within the area.