To ask a plot point question for my novel...

[Hormonecure]

Hello...

I'm back with a question! I really hope you don't mind me asking...I'm on the last stretch of my novel, and a Beta reader raised a very good point about something. I need to find a solution.

My question is this:

In 1959, if you wanted to write to someone and ask them to send you something, but you didn't want them to know where you lived, what could you have used instead? A post office box? Was there such a thing?

I'm not sure about the PO box but could the item have been posted to a friend, neighbour, shop or business?

I need something as generic as possible...a neighbour or friend is too easy a link

Poste Restante (which unfortunately seemed to stop about 20-30 years ago). You would have just put the return address as:
Poste Restante
Blogtown
UK

Their reply would arrive in the MAIN post office of your town and you just had to go and ask at the counter if there were any letters for you.

To be more accurate (in case it wasn't obvious) - address would be:

Mrs X
Poste Restante
etc

So, for the purposes of your book: "Mrs X wrote to P and co, giving a poste restante address"

Oh my goodness, Mrs Joy, I love you. Thank you.

Post restante still exists www.postoffice.co.uk/mail/poste-restante