Telephone Kiosk opp. 40 Megargy Road, Magherafelt, BT45 5HP

This is a red ‘K6’ type telephone kiosk designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott, constructed between 1936 and 1953. This model is notable, as fewer than 184 remain in Northern Ireland, with very few still functioning as telephone boxes. It’s an iconic international design. The kiosk has a cast-iron body with a timber door, complete with leather hinges and its original opening mechanism, and a plain rear, all painted red. While some original glass remains, most of the glazing has been replaced with perspex. Each elevation displays the symbolic ‘Tudor Crown’ motif over the distinctive ‘TELEPHONE’ sign. The kiosk is situated at Megargy Road, approximately one mile west of Magherafelt, standing on a small concrete hardstanding opposite no. 40 Megargy Road. It’s located in a picturesque setting amongst a cluster of farm buildings, dwellings and an Orange Hall, all collectively mapped as ‘Old Town’. The kiosk is well-maintained. The ‘K6’ model was built from 1936 to 1968 and over 73,000 were originally installed across the United Kingdom. The ‘Tudor Crown’ – as seen on this kiosk – was replaced by St Edward’s Crown in 1953, following Queen Elizabeth's accession to the throne; from 1955 to 1965, the crown was on a removable slotted tablet. The construction date is estimated to be between 1940 and 1959, suggesting it predates the crown change.