The old town of Edinburgh is brimming with historic masonry with its old stairs, vaults and narrow alleys. The letterbox is a fine example of the rich history that permeated this place once. Designed in the 1800s, the more commonly recognised round 'drum' pillar box is common throughout the UK and is still in everyday use. This 'wall' type is common in cities or where there is limited pavement space. The design has never been superseded and no modern replacement of this exists.
Edinburgh is divided into the 'old and new towns'. Each has its own special attraction. The old town is the medieval heart of Edinburgh whilst the new town, planned in 1760, is a mere child compared to its much older sister. People have been living in or near the castle since the Bronze Age. Eventually, the old town became so overpopulated that the wealthy population decided to build a new town. Created in 1760 by a young Edinburgh architect named James Craig, the new town is now recognised as the finest example of Georgian architecture anywhere in the world and is a UNESCO world heritage site.