End of an era for town’s post office

The research was carried out by Marianne Pitts, with help from her husband Archie Pitts and a number of people, including Robin Taylor, Jo Clark, Peter Storrie, Paul Edwards, Andrew Salter and Alan Mayes, conservation officer for Warwick District Council. Photographers David Stowell, Richard Croft and John Thomas are also acknowledged.

Leamington’s was one of the early purpose-built post offices. It opened as Head/Crown Post Office in March 1870 and was extended in 1911.

There was a gap in its use from 1971-8 when there was a proposal to demolish the building and redevelop the site as a ‘modern’ post office. The counters were moved to a shop across the road in Victoria Terrace. The plan was abandoned for lack of funds.

But next month the public counters are to be moved to the Spar shop, about 100 yards away in Bath Place. The garage and sorting office (built 1975-8) will remain in Priory Terrace, behind the Victorian building. The original building is expected to be offered for sale on completion of the Royal Mail privatisation.

The post office was designed by James Williams (1824-1892), “architect to the Board of Works...in the Italian style of architecture” on land sold to the Post Office by the local church.

Williams was also responsible for many post offices around the country. Many of these have not survived. Of the Williams’ post offices that remain, Hull, now a bar and restaurant, closely resembles the Leamington building and is currently listed Grade II.

Marianne Pitts says in the listing application: “Not only is the building of architectural and historic interest, it also makes a significant contribution to the character and appearance of the Leamington Conservation Area.

“Warwick District Council has no Local Plan and is still in negotiation with neighbouring authorities and local residents about the distribution of local housing numbers, so the Post Office is vulnerable and urgently needs the protection of listing.”