Edward VIII Post Box, Arrol Drive and Auchentrae Crescent, Ayr

A 1936 pillar box style, cast iron post box, probably made by the Carron Company, Stirlingshire. It is on the corner of Arrol Drive and Auchentrae Crescent, Ayr.

The cylindrical pillar box is painted black at the base and red above. There is a swept frieze under a shallow domed cap which is dentilled at the rim. The full height left hinged door has a cup handle and lock to the right. The lower part of the door bears the cipher 'EVIIIR' in raised gothic lettering, with a crown above and 'Post Office' embossed below. There is a rectangular opening for letters and notice frame above. The words 'Next Collection' are embossed, to the left above the letter opening.

Historical development

This post box was installed in Ayr in 1936 during the brief reign of Edward VIII. It is known to be located in its original position.

This Edward VIII post box in Ayr is in the suburb of Seafield, to the south of the town centre. This suburb was built in the former grounds of Seafield House. An Ordnance Survey Map of Ayr (surveyed 1938, published 1947) shows the radial street plan of Seafield under construction with the corner of Arrol Drive and Auchentrae Crescent one of the first road junctions to be completed.

An aerial photograph on Britain From Above taken in July 1936 also shows Seafield at the same stage in its development. The photograph shows that the three bungalows and the pavement in front of them, are not yet built although there do appear to be site huts and materials ready for construction. The post box was therefore likely installed in its current position between July and December 1936 to serve the residents of the new suburb.