The Travelling Post Office
The Travelling Post Office (TPO) was a railway carriage specially adapted for Post Office workers to sort mail on the move. This exhibition charts the life of these postal sorting carriages, and the camaraderie of the staff that worked on them. The TPO takes us on a journey from their introduction in 1838 to their final run in 2004.
We developed this exhibition using material from The Royal Mail Archive and the BPMA museum collection. You can now see a bigger version alongside the BPMA's restored 1908 TPO carriage at Bressingham Steam and Gardens, Diss. The exhibition also tells the story of its painstaking restoration.
What Is A TPO?
TPOs were invented to save time sorting mail while it was being transported to its destination.
Did all TPOs look the same?
The purpose and definition of TPOs was constant, but their build, look and design varied enormously.
When and where were TPOs used?
At their peak TPOs were in service all over Great Britain and Ireland.
Never an easy life
Serious accidents, The Great Train Robbery and the lack of creature comforts aboard TPOs.
What happened to the TPOs?
The TPO service suffered many cut backs over the years, finally ending in January 2004.
A few good postmen
The dedication and expertise of TPO staff gave an aura of awe and prestige to the service.
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