Community researcher – Abigail Robinson
Post offices existed prior to the Penny Post but it was not until 1840 that the United Kingdom had a unified and reliable postal service. On the 10th January 1840 such a service was introduced. In the 1780s, Exeter had a post office near the Cathedral, it then moved to Gandy Street and by 1812 was in Bedford Street.
By 1844 the existing post office was deemed insufficient. Mayor Brutton promoted the idea of a new building and suggestions were made as to possible locations: this included several sites in Queen Street, one in Sidwell Street and a site opposite the Guildhall. It was decided to locate the building on a site opposite Higher Marker in Queen Street. Plans involved a central walkway between Queen Street and Gandy Street and the building also housed the Bankruptcy Court on its first floor.
Mr William Hooper, a local builder, planned the build and obtained the needed funding, including an annual £80 contribution from the government. The building comprised three storeys with a front façade carved in stone. This entrance had arched openings decorated with a coat of arms above each entranceway. Above the ground floor façade are four Corinthian columns that hold up a balustrade roof-line.
The opening took place on 6th May 1850, but its modest opening caused some confusion over the post office’s new location.
The left side of the building was a dedicated post office, with a post master’s private room and a clerk’s entrance: the right side of the building was a stamp office. The second floor had offices. Over the years, this would change, Queen’s Chambers would be home to many shops, offices and a Middle School for Girls!
