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Recorded Postmasters
(Apsley House)-
| September
13th 1837 George Goody - Newsagent, corn dealer and PO (Also manager
of the Gas Works) |
The position of Sub-Postmaster was
a very important position. John Smith MP for Norwich was asked to
recommend a Sub-Postmaster for Bures. He wrote to the supervisor
of the Inland Revenue at Sudbury looking for a suitable person.
Mr Robert Goody was suggested, but as he had political interests
he was excluded. Postmasters were no allowed to vote or hold political
views.
His son George was subsequently nominated and his name was put forward
to the "Lords of the Treasury" for approval. He was appointed
at the age of 18 on the 12th September 1837.
Typical postal rates in those days
were:-
Letter to Liverpool 1/-, to London 9d, to Ipswich 9d, to Colchester
8d,. Envelopes were not in use so letters were wrapped and sealed
with wax. Only one sheet of paper being allowed, up to A4 size.
If a second sheet was attached it was charged at double postage.
The introduction of the Penny Post later simplified all of this
for letters. The 1/2d was used for printed matter such as newspapers.
George Goody was given a large reception in the village after serving
50 years as Sub-Postmaster. Drum and Fife band together with a firework
display were part of the celebrations.
The 1851 Census lists a "Charlotte
Deal" aged 15 lodging in The Street as a "letter carrier"
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1889
to 1911 Harry Steed - Newsagent, Stationer, confectioner and PO
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Harry Steed died aged
60 years on October 28th 1911.
Sub-Postmastership taken over by his wife Elizabeth.
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Apsley House most probably closed on the death of Harry Steed and moved
opposite to the house we know today as St Mary`s, no specific date has
been obtained
Recorded Postmasters (St Mary`s)-
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1911
to 1922 Elizabeth Steed -
PO and stationer
This closed in 1922
Mrs Steed retired aged 72 years,
after serving as Sub-Postmaster for 11 years, previous to that she
was a Clerical assistant in the Post Office for 40 years, a total
time of 51 years. She was assistant to George Goody her uncle who
held the position for 52 yrs.
Mr Harry Steed her husband followed Mr Goody and held the post for
22 years. Mrs Steed took over after her husbands death.
The Sub-Postmastership being held by the same family for 85 years.
When she commenced work there were no Postal orders, no parcel post,
no telephone, no licenses, and boys delivered the letters.
The salary was £13.00 per year and the office hours were eight
until eight.
Mrs Steeds official retirement was held at West Mersea Post Office
together with loads of Post Office dignitaries.
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Recorded Postmasters (Church Sq
No1)-
The third location in Church
Square opened the same year, adjacent to the entrance to the Vicarage.
This was managed by a number of owners at this location (1922 - 1988):-
1922 Downings Grocery Store (see photo). Mr Radford from Mildenhall recorded
as sub-Postmaster.
1924/5 records show John Radford as Postmaster
1933 - Albert Sampson as Postmaster
circa 1929 - Walter Christmas Grocery Store
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circa 1937 - Braybrookes
Grocery Store (at least until 1945)
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circa ? Denham and Small
circa ? Capt Cunnell
1958 to 1971 - K & R. Brooks
1971 to 1988 - Gordon & Angela Harrod, trading as a Post Office and
`Mace` general store.
Recorded
Postmasters (Church Sq No2))-
1988 - 1996 - G & A Harrod moved next door to its present location.
1996 - Present day - R & M Harrod
 
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1st Post Office in
High St
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Aspley House, today
in High St.
Note, the letter box on the right, compared with the old photograph
?
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2nd Post Office,
to the left of the photograph.
(photo, courtesy of John Ineson)
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The High Street,
2003
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circa 1920`s, 3rd
Post Office. The factory chimney can be seen in the rear
(photo, courtesy of John Ineson)
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Church Sq , 2003
The property now residential.
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4th Post Office,
currently trading.
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Information supplied by local residents.
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