
The General Post Office in Edinburgh is a historic landmark that has been serving the city since 1829. It's a stunning example of Georgian architecture, with a beautiful facade that has been preserved to this day.
The building has undergone several transformations over the years, but its original purpose remains the same - to provide a central hub for postal services. In fact, the General Post Office was the main postal sorting office for Edinburgh until 1986.
As you walk through the building, you'll notice the intricate details and ornate decorations that are characteristic of Georgian architecture. The building's designer, Robert Reid, was a prominent architect of his time, and his work on the General Post Office is still admired today.
The General Post Office is a must-visit attraction for anyone interested in history, architecture, or postal heritage. With its rich history and stunning architecture, it's a truly unique experience that will leave you in awe.
Edinburgh Post Office

The General Post Office in Edinburgh is a notable landmark in Scotland's capital city. It was built between 1861 and 1865 on the site of the Old Theatre Royal.
The building was designed by architect Robert Matheson and laid the foundation stone by Albert, Prince Consort in 1861. This was the same day the first stone was laid for the new Royal Museum of Scotland.
The GPO adjoined the offices of the Inland Revenue on Waterloo Place and housed offices for other public bodies.
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Location
Edinburgh Post Office is located in the heart of the city, on George Street, a famous shopping street in Edinburgh.
The building itself is a beautiful example of Victorian architecture, with a stunning façade that showcases the city's rich history.
The post office is situated within walking distance of many popular attractions, including the National Museum of Scotland and the Royal Mile.
You can easily access the post office by bus or on foot, with several bus stops nearby and a pedestrianized street that makes it easy to navigate.
George Street is a bustling area with many cafes, shops, and restaurants, making it a great place to combine a visit to the post office with some shopping or dining.
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Edinburgh Post Office

The General Post Office in Edinburgh is a former post office building that was built between 1861 and 1865 on the site of the Old Theatre Royal. It was designed by architect Robert Matheson and laid the foundation stone by Albert, Prince Consort in 1861.
The building was constructed to replace an earlier post office on Waterloo Place, which was built between 1815 and 1819. It was extended twice to meet growing demand, first in 1890 by Walter W. Robertson and then between 1908 and 1909 by William Thomas Oldrieve.
The General Post Office is located between Waterloo Place and North Bridge in Edinburgh, Scotland. It's a significant landmark in the city and a testament to the importance of postal services in the past.
The building's facade is a stunning example of High Renaissance-style architecture. Unfortunately, the interior was removed in 2000 to make way for commercial office space.
Here's a brief timeline of the General Post Office's construction and extensions:
- 1861: Foundation stone laid by Albert, Prince Consort
- 1865: General Post Office completed
- 1890: First extension by Walter W. Robertson
- 1908-1909: Second extension by William Thomas Oldrieve
- 2000: Interior removed and replaced with commercial office space
Waverley Gate

Waverley Gate was a £65m redevelopment of the former General Post Office, dating back to 1861.
The Hugh Martin Partnership was behind the project, which involved removing 30,000 tonnes of material from within the building's shell.
The redevelopment provided 206,000 sqft of office space on eight floors, anchored by a central glazed atrium.
The building's facade was propped up by huge steel columns and shrouded by massive advertising wraps.
The Hugh Martin Partnership had previously worked on other notable projects, including the Princes Square shopping centre in Glasgow and a former GPO building converted into luxury flats.
The Waverley Gate project was the largest office building under construction in Scotland at the time.
19th Century Post Office
The 19th Century Post Office was a significant part of Edinburgh's history. The General Post Office, located at 2-4 Waterloo Place, was a hub for postal services during this time.
This building served as a Post Office (19th Century), indicating its importance in the 19th century's postal infrastructure.
History of the Post Office

The General Post Office in Edinburgh, Scotland, was built between 1861 and 1865, replacing an earlier post office built from 1815 to 1819 on Waterloo Place. It was designed by architect Robert Matheson and housed offices for various public bodies, including the Commissioners in Lunacy for Scotland.
The General Post Office was a significant structure in Edinburgh, serving as a hub for postal services and other government activities. The building was extended twice, first in 1890 by Walter W. Robertson and then in 1908-09 by William Thomas Oldrieve.
In 1861, Albert, Prince Consort laid the foundation stone, marking the beginning of the construction process. The ceremony took place on the same day as the first stone was laid for the new Royal Museum of Scotland.
The General Post Office was an important landmark in Edinburgh, featuring a High Renaissance-style facade. However, by 2000, the interior had been removed, and the building was converted into commercial office space.
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Here are some key dates related to the General Post Office:
- 1861: Albert, Prince Consort lays the foundation stone
- 1865: The General Post Office is completed
- 1890: The building is extended by Walter W. Robertson
- 1908-09: The building is extended again by William Thomas Oldrieve
- 2000: The interior is removed, and the building is converted into commercial office space
Description
The 19th century post office was a hub of activity, with a focus on speed and efficiency.
Mail delivery was a significant challenge, with many rural areas inaccessible by road, making it difficult for mail to reach its destination.
The introduction of the railway network in the 1830s revolutionized mail delivery, allowing for faster and more reliable transportation of mail across the country.
Mail was often carried by horseback or on foot, which was slow and laborious.
The development of the postal system was a key factor in the growth of communication and commerce in the 19th century.
Mail was sorted and dispatched from a central location, often a large city, to smaller post offices in rural areas.
The postal system was heavily reliant on the railway network, which was often subject to delays and disruptions due to weather and mechanical issues.
Features
The 19th century post office was a hub of activity, with several features that made it a crucial part of daily life.

Mail sorting was a key feature, with postal clerks using pigeonholes to organize and sort mail by destination.
Innovative technology was introduced, including the introduction of the postage stamp in 1840, which simplified the process of mailing letters.
Mail delivery was a complex process, with postal riders on horseback delivering mail to rural areas.
The post office also served as a community gathering place, with postal clerks often doubling as news vendors and information brokers.
Mailboxes were typically located outside post offices or on street corners, making it easy for people to deposit and collect mail.
The post office played a crucial role in facilitating communication between people, especially during times of war or natural disasters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who owns the General Post Office?
The General Post Office is owned entirely by the government. It operates as a limited company, a unique public-private hybrid model.
Sources
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/General_Post_Office,_Edinburgh
- https://canmore.org.uk/site/74026/edinburgh-2-4-waterloo-place-general-post-office
- https://www.edinburgharchitecture.co.uk/newtown-gpo
- https://www.francisfrith.com/us/edinburgh/edinburgh-waterloo-place-and-the-general-post-office-1897_39117
- https://www.trove.scot/place/74026
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