The Post Office
The first postmaster of Rochdale was a gentleman called Robert Lee and he took up his post in 1792. He was succeeded in around 1814 by Jane Lee. Now, she was definitely a relative of the late Robert but unfortunately I don't know which one. Jane remained Rochdale's postmistress until August 1838 when she died. Appointing a new postmaster was the job of the Lords of the Treasury. According to an article in the Manchester Guardian there were three applicants for the job William Lee (the son of Jane), Mr Merideth and Mr John Whittaker. William Lee was the successful applicant and took up the position of postmaster on 26 September 1838.
Rochdale has been many things in it's past but Tory, as far as I know, isn't one of them! So for a Tory postmaster in a radical town during the days of Chartist unrest must have had its anxious moments to say the least. For reasons unknown, William Lee resigned his post by the January of 1841. This ended the 47 year family connection with the job.
Lee's successor was Edmund Wrigly a local business man. Wrigly held the position until 1859.
Surprising as it may seem, Rochdale's Post Office has had, over the years, numerous locations within the town centre. Below are just three.
1
Left: The post office in 1869. Right: The same building in 1999 (now a solicitors) at No 1 South Parade
2 
Left: The post office in 1913. Right: The same building in 1999 on Fleece St
3 
The purpose built post office, finished in 1927 (photo 1999)
In this picture we can see the three post office buildings pictured above. The latest move of the post office was into Woolworth's department store on Yorkshire St. That lasted about 5 years since then the Post Office has now moved back to number 3 building. That's progress!!!!
Updated on 19/11/02