World's Oldest Post Office

 World's Oldest Post Office

The world's oldest post office is celebrating its 310th birthday in 2022.  The Sanquhar post office in Dumfriesshire began its journey in 1712.  Since then it has been operational till now, in spite of a lot of struggles.

It turned 300 in 2012.  To celebrate this iconic mile stone this post office received a legend postmark, "Worlds Oldest Post Office" on request of people from around the world.  It received recognition from both the Universal Postal Union (UPU) and the Guinness Book of World Records.  

When the post office was opened, the postmen, who were called “runners,” ran between offices to deliver letters and parcels.  In 1738, the post office began stamping mails and later introduced horses which were used to deliver letters and parcels. It was modernized in 1974 with the hand-operated canceling machine called bacon slicer.  Unfortunately, the historic post office was put for sale in 2014 due to the persistent losses and the uncertainty of the business.  The post office was almost closed down when it was apparent that a buyer could not be found. However, it reopened its doors in 2015 under a new postmaster after its renovation and refurbishment.  Again it went on for sale in 2019 as the postmaster decided to retire.  Luckily it is continuing its business till today.

I got the world record stamping on a picture postcard, through my friend Beth.  Thanks a lot, Beth.

The closest rival to the Sanquhar Post office, which is 8 years younger than Sanquhar, can be found in Stockholm, Sweden, which was founded in 1720. The third oldest is found in Santiago, Chile, and was established in 1772.  I am looking for cancellations from these post offices and would be grateful if someone could help.