Telephone Kiosk, Fountain Street, Bessbrook, Co Armagh

This is an example of a K6, or 'Jubilee', telephone kiosk, originally designed in 1935 by the English architect Giles Gilbert Scott to celebrate the silver jubilee of King George V. Production began in 1935-36, and these kiosks were introduced across the United Kingdom. While the precise date of installation in Bessbrook is unknown, it likely occurred between 1953 and 1955. The kiosk features a St Edward’s crown motif, characteristic of those produced after Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation in 1953, but distinguished from later models by the fact that the motif itself was contained within a panel slotted into the fascia after 1955. The roof design is inspired by Sir John Soane’s mausoleum. The kiosk is located in the centre of Bessbrook Conservation Area, opposite Charlemont Square. It suffered damage from a firework explosion on 7th October 2010, and the door, back panel, and glazing have not been repaired. The cast iron back panel is split and has a circular piece missing. Its condition is now beyond repair. There are 22 other listed BT kiosks of this K6 design in Northern Ireland. The kiosk was delisted on 28th March 2011 and is considered to be of industrial archaeological interest, despite being recorded as derelict.