The photographs and images in this week’s trip down West Fife’s Memory Lane look at the history of the Post Office in Dunfermline.
Our first image, which features in the ‘Old Dunfermline 2024’ calendar, is an old postcard showing people gathered outside the building where the post office operated from for many years before closing and relocating to WH Smith in the High Street.
In a book published during 1886 entitled ‘Reminiscences of Dunfermline – Sixty Years Ago’ by Alexander Stewart, the author describes the early days of the postal service in Dunfermline:
‘Between fifty and sixty years ago the Post Office was a very primitive establishment.
'Letters were carried to and from Dunfermline in large canvas wallets slung on horseback, and the post-boy carried a long tin horn to herald the approach and departure of the Royal Mail.
'The Post Office was then in Kirkgate, and it was a place of small dimensions.
'A Miss Angus was postmistress till 1851, when she was succeeded by Mr Robert Steedman, who for thirty years faithfully filled the office of postmaster.
'Envelopes were never used, because then unknown. Letters sealed with wax usually bore the impression of the watch seals which used to hang imposingly from gentlemen’s watch-fobs.
'The small premises in the Kirkgate were soon found quite inadequate for the transaction of the ever-increasing business, and the department was moved to Guildhall Street, where it was carried on for some years.'
This move took place in 1852, after which an extension was added in 1872. The address of the Post Office is then given as the High Street.
The Post Office later moved again, this time to Queen Anne Street, opening on November 24, 1900, and operating in that building for over 100 years.
Our next image, a watercolour painting by Dunfermline artist Adam Westwood, shows the building in the very early part of the 20th century as viewed from Pilmuir Street.
Our final image is an old one of the interior of the Post Office.
More detailed information on the history of the Post Office in Dunfermline is given in an excellent article on the subject on the website of Dunfermline Historical Society by local historian George Robertson.
The ‘Old Dunfermline’ calendar is on sale in the shops in Dunfermline Carnegie Library and Galleries and Abbot House, as well as in the Christmas Market on the lower concourse of the Kingsgate Shopping Centre from next Monday, December 18, until Thursday, December 21. It is also available online at olddunfermline.com/shop.
More images like these can also be seen in the Local Studies Department of Dunfermline Carnegie Library and Galleries, as well as at facebook.com/olddunfermline.
With thanks to Frank Connelly
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