the rectangular open-fronted cabinet with five shelves divided into eleven vertical compartments for the distribution of mail, the lower section, without compartments, a parcel shelf,

The Porter’s Lodge was first built under the arches of The Queen’s College quad as a timber booth in 1898. It has been re-built, amended and extended a number of times since. The whole structure was salvaged by LASSCO (now sold) and incorporates parts from most of these amendments. The format and style is replicated in a number of both Oxford and Cambridge University colleges – the glazed top section above the panelled chevron-boarded wainscot – and is iconic. The Porter’s Lodge is the hub of an Oxford College and is run by a select team of bowler-hatted guardians often warmly regarded for their wit and feared as disciplinarians in equal measure.

The Queen’s College curtain wall fronts The High Street and the Porters’ Lodge was found built along the inside of it, immediately on the left on entering the main gate. It looked out across the lawned quadrangle through the stone arches. The canted end with a sliding glass hatch incorporated the steps as the descend to the High Street pavement and a busy bus stop. The lean-to building has been removed in order to restore the stone arcade to its full width as originally intended. It now leads to the new beautifully appointed Porters’ Lodge behind glass doors in the corner of the quad. The Porter’s facilities have been much improved – including The Pidge. We have retained an envelope containing the names of the last incumbants to have a  named pigeon hole before the Porter’s Lodge was demolished.

B&W Photo (c) David Olds