The Post Office at Blubberhouses: A Glimpse into Rural Yorkshire History

 In an age when we communicate instantly via email and text, there's a certain romantic charm in looking back at the humble, foundational infrastructure of communication: the rural Post Office. This lovely sepia postcard from my collection features the former Post Office at Blubberhouses in the Yorkshire Dales.

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The Post Office, Blubberhouses

The Scene: Blubberhouses, Yorkshire

The photo captures a substantial stone cottage, typical of the Yorkshire vernacular architecture, which once served as the village post office.

• Architectural Clues: The building has thick stone walls, a slate roof, and two prominent chimney stacks. The windows are small, and the overall impression is one of solid, centuries-old utility.

• The Post Office Sign: Clearly visible on the right-hand side is a projecting sign that reads, "POST OFFICE." Below this, another sign advertises "STATIONERY & SWEETS"—a classic combination for a small village shop that served as a vital community hub.

• A Place to Rest: In the foreground, a simple wooden bench rests against a dry-stone wall, shaded by a large tree. This wasn't just a place to send a letter, but a social spot where people gathered and rested.

• The Name: The village name itself—Blubberhouses—is a point of interest. Located near the Washburn Valley and Fewston Reservoir, the name is likely derived from the Old Norse word for bubbling or gushing water, referring to a spring or peat bog, not, as sometimes joked, to blubbering.

A History of Connectivity

While the postcard itself is undated, the sepia tone and the style suggest it was produced in the early 20th century, likely between 1900 and 1920. This was the golden age of postcards, where the Post Office was the vital link connecting remote communities like Blubberhouses to the rest of the world.

A rural post office like this was the village nerve centre:

• It was where letters and parcels arrived.

• It was the place to draw a pension or collect a telegram.

• It offered small essentials like stationery and, crucially, sweets for the children.

This postcard is more than a scenic view; it's a quiet tribute to the rural life and the dependable, community-focused service provided by the Post Office before the motorcar and telephone completely reshaped the Dales. Although the Blubberhouses Post Office may have changed use since this photo was taken, the enduring charm of the building and the landscape remains.