Kelly's 1881 edition of the Directory of West Riding of Yorkshire explains:
The General Post Office, in Market street, is a handsome building of red brick, with stone dressings, opened August 1st, 1876.... and lists:
Post, Money Order & Telegraph Office, Savings Bank & Government Annuity & Insurance Office, Market street (next to the United Methodist Free Church).There were several architects in Wakefield in the 1870s, including William Crutchley (King street), Hammerton Lees (Lord Rodney yard, Westgate), Frederick Robinson (131 Northgate) and William Watson (Barstow square).
Postmaster - Richard Wilkinson Aspdin (Residence: York street, Northgate)
The photographer Warner Gothard advertised studio premises at "King Street & Wood St." Since the architect William Crutchley also had premises on King Street, it would be tempting to assume that he was the one to commission this cdv. However, Westgate, Northgate and Barstow square were all nearby, so it is more realistic to consider all four as potential architects of the Wakefield Post Office until further information is found.
Post Script - 31 August 2008
Nigel's photo (see comment)
At last I had a chance to call by Wakefield on the way up north and take a look at this old Post Office. I photographed it but I am afraid they add little to the grandeur of the architect's drawing, and some adjoining buildings were depressing, and Market Street is an unappealing back-water now. Wakefield has a fine array of old buildings, but some are looking for new or kinder use, so good luck Wakefield for the future, the city of my Victorian roots. Nigel Aspdin. Derby. UK.
ReplyDelete18 October 2011
ReplyDeleteLast week I visited Wakefield as I am doing some research into post office buildings.I believe that the building was designed by James Williams (1824-92), Government architect. It is such a shame that the only use than can apparently be found for the older buildings in Wakefield (especially those with large interior spaces) is nightclub use! Market Street is indeed depressing and will probably remain so as the focus of interest is now the shopping centres and,further out, the new Hepworth Gallery.
Hi Jim. I am not sure if you plan to visit Derby in your research, but if you want images of a couple of main POs in Derby centre, let me know. Regards Nigel Aspdin aspdin@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comment Jim. yes I agree, it is a shame, but an all too common situation which I think needs fresh approaches and constructive solutions. "Location, Location, Location" (is everything), as they say.
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