HASLEMERE architect John Penfold who designed Britain’s best-loved pillar box, features in a landmark anniversary gallery to celebrate 500 years since Henry VIII knighted Brian Tuke, the first Master of the Posts.

The knighting of Brian Tuke was the catalyst for the creation of the Royal Mail.

The Royal Mail in partnership with the British Postal Museum and Archive (BPMA), has created an online gallery of 500 objects, people and events – www.royalmailgroup.com/500years – that tell the story not only of the postal service but also of its contribution to social and political development over the last 500 years.

Penfold (1828-1909) remains the only British pillar box designer to have his box named after him.

In 1866, he submitted designs for a pillar box that was hexagonal in shape and adorned with acanthus leaves and balls.

The “Penfold” was a far less ornate design than some of the elaborately decorative boxes that had come before it.

But the cost of producing Penfolds was high, and a cheaper and plainer standard box was introduced 13 years later.

Some original Penfolds are considered so significant that they are listed.

In honour of one of the town’s most famous residents, a replica green Penfold (pictured left) was installed in 1989 in Haslemere High Street.

Royal Mail chief executive officer Moya Greene said: “We are proud to celebrate the heritage of this great company.

“The history of the postal service in the UK reflects the tremendous societal and political change that has taken us from 16th century Tudor England to the United Kingdom today.

“In all its guises, Royal Mail has been responsible for a number of world firsts – the Penny Black stamp and the first ever airmail flight to name just two.

“It has also changed almost beyond recognition, from a small group of King’s Messengers in those early days to a national network connecting consumers, companies and communities across the UK today.

“Against this backdrop of continued change, Royal Mail’s people have been a constant presence.

“They are the heart of this company. I hope that, through them, we will continue to deliver the Universal Service and play an instrumental role in people’s lives for many years to come.”