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Here in the UK our post boxes are red, other than a handful that were painted gold after the 2012 London Olympics. It wasn't always the case. 

Here you can see a green wall box (attached to a pub) that has the VR of Queen Victoria. It appears to still be in use as those no longer used but remain in-situ are sealed and painted black.

The change happened in about 1874, according to the Postal Museum, "instruction was given ‘… that the Pillar Letter boxes in London be painted red for the future instead of green as at present’. When the Surveyor General asked if this was to apply to all pillar boxes, the Controller replied on 9 October 1874 ‘please to have this done as repainting is required’. Over the following years, all boxes nationally were repainted red." 


It appears 'as repainting is required' hasn't reached this part of North Yorkshire yet. 


Matilda was pleased to see a green box. Her first owner was a postmaster but she's pleased to say during the red era...