Post Office, Postal Occupations and Boundy Family Information

This research started as a focused investigation into the provision of postal services in East Worlington during WW2. The initial activity provided some information relevant to the focus on the 1939 to 1945 years and posed some questions about the history of postal services in the parish of East Worlington which stimulated further exploration. There were three key aspects to this research namely the properties in East and West Worlington, the relevant occupation of residents, and the role of the Boundy family.

Therefore further investigation utilised the available information, mainly 10 yearly census data between 1941 and 1921, the 1939 Register, relevant births, marriages and deaths information, Post Office employment records and available texts.

The main post office in East Worlington seems to have been established in the mid to late 1800’s by the Boundy family. It is believed that the residential property now (2025) known as Oak, Ash and Thorn was utilised as the Post Office and the residents from 1880’s having a formal role, e.g. Postmaster and Postmistress. The name of the property varies on different census reports, using the name Cottage, Village Post Office House, Post Office and Stones Cross, but the information about residents provide evidence that it is the same property.This function and responsibility continued into the war years. Further investigation is required to develop the information beyond 1945.

It is unclear if West Worlington ever had a formal Post Office but there is a recorded description that suggests there may have been. Further investigation is needed to prove or disprove this account. What is proven is that members of the Boundy family did live in West Worlington and some worked as postmen, associated with Morchard Bishop, Lapford and Crediton.

Information about the associated properties, named residents, occupations and dates are provided on the excel spreadsheet attached to this report.