In the quaint village of Sanquhar, situated about 50 miles south of Glasgow in Scotland’s Dumfries and Galloway region, exists a piece of living history.
The world’s oldest working post office has been in operation since, incredibly, 1712—over 300 years! Its remarkable longevity recently faced a potential challenge when the previous owners decided it was time to retire in 2019. Thankfully, the post office’s continuity was not disrupted. Here’s what happened.
The Oldest Post Office
In a heartwarming turn of events, Barry and Mary Ford have taken the reins of this 311-year-old institution, becoming its 17th operators. The Fords, originally from the United Kingdom but residing in Florida for the past two decades, felt a deep connection to this historic post office.
They first learned of the opportunity to own the post office and its accompanying three-bedroom cottage in 2020, but their initial bid was outmatched. However, fate had other plans. When the first deal fell through, the couple seized their second chance to become the custodians of this cherished piece of history. An official handover ceremony was scheduled for the upcoming month.
A New Family Will Run the Place
For the Fords, the post office represents more than just a business opportunity; it’s a vital community resource. Mary Ford, 57, emphasizes the importance of keeping the post office operational, not just for tourism but also for the local community. Visitors flock to this unique branch, often seeking to have their letters stamped with the legendary phrase: The World’s Oldest Post Office.
In a strange twist, the couple discovered that Mary Ford’s ancestors actually had roots in the nearby village of Muirkirk. This revelation came to light when Mary stumbled upon a pair of gloves bearing the Sanquhar knitting pattern among her late mother’s belongings. This newfound connection to the local area deepened their commitment to preserving this historic institution!