2-791-734 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The General Post-Office; The Letter-Carriers' Office, 1844. Interior of the main post office at St Martin's Le Grand in London, view of 'a large room, with a gallery running round its four sides, and across the middle, to which are attached two spiral staircases...On the floor are two ranges of tables, divided into two double tiers of compartments; and down each side of the room is a narrow table, above which are five tiers of wooden partitions, or pigeon holes; and the gallery has also a double tier running round it; beneath the tables are enclosed cupboards for the use of the men. In the morning, the letter-carriers assemble, and assort the letters into their respective walks. The gallery will hold 100 men; and the body, with auxiliaries, 270 more. A portion of the floor is parted off in the middle, where two clerks sit to rectify any mistake which may arise in charging the letters to the carriers'. From "Illustrated London News", 1844, Vol I.