While there are many parallels between postal systems from centuries gone by and those in the present day, the humble stamp and envelope being two, there are many features of the postal system that have been firmly consigned to the past.
Read on to discover 5 relics of our postal past.
Victorian pillar box
Picture credit: David Merrett
Prior to the mid 1800s there were two ways to deliver a letter, either in person to the Receiving House (a predecessor to the Post Office) or waiting for a uniformed Bellman to collect it from your door. Then Post Office Survey’s Clerk, and later novelist, Anthony Trollope hit upon the idea of a roadside mail box, and the pillar box was born in 1852.
Horses and mail coaches
In the 18th Century trusty steeds and the coaches they headed would be posted at regular intervals along the road to transport messages from the Court to the capital, reaching speeds of up to 10mph. Because of their dedicated service postal horses were even entitled to sick leave!
The Penny Black
Picture credit: British Postal Museum Archive
Today’s stamps come in a variety of different colours, with some even featuring snazzy designs that pay homage to a particular season or historical event. As part of postal reforms in the mid-1800s four methods of prepayment of postage were identified, and among these were adhesive labels. After several designs the plate for the 1d label – The Penny Black – was ready on 1 April 1840.
Imperial Service Medal
Picture credit: British Postal Museum and Archive
Prior to the Post Office becoming a public corporation in October 1969 Post Office employees could be eligible for an Imperial Service Medal. This accolade was awarded to selected long-standing Post Office employees when they reached retirement after serving for a minimum of 25 years
Postmaster General
Picture credit: Mark Turnauckas
The head of the Post Office has assumed many different names over the centuries, including Master of the Posts, Comptroller General of the Posts, and Postmaster of England. However, one title that proved it could stand the test of time was PostMaster General. This was in place from 1657 all the way through to 1969!