The Adelaide General Post Office, built in 1867-1872 and extended in 1891-92, is significant as one of South Australia’s most important public buildings.

It is important as a major public building erected in the Victorian Free Classical style. It features a grand postal chamber with a half-domed roof and peripheral clerestory lighting. The building has a prominent clock tower, and is a significant streetscape item on the corner of King William and Franklin Streets.

In 1867 the construction workers on site included 18 stone cutters, 10 carpenters, four smiths and 15 labourers. It was the most expensive building constructed by the government to that date. The foundation stone was laid on 1 November 1867 by Prince Alfred, Duke of Edinburgh, and watched by thousands of citizens. There was further celebration four years later when the building was opened on 6 May 1872. The final cost of the project was 53,258 pounds.

In 1875 the clock, bells and dial facings were installed. The clock was made in London, at a cost of 410 pounds. A total of five bells were installed, four to chime and one to strike the hour, and they corresponded with the bells of the Houses of Parliament, Westminster.

 

http://www.heritage.gov.au/cgi-bin/ahpi/record.pl?RNE6331