Notable Individuals
The BPMA has a sizeable collection of items relating to key individuals from the history of the Post Office. Many of our documents concerning individuals originate from the late-18th and 19th centuries. This material is largely made up of diaries, reports, secretary's minutes, and correspondence which illuminate some of the pivotal developments in the history of the Post Office.
Our material on individuals is also very useful in terms of the sheer variety and breadth of its content. On the one hand, it covers areas of obvious historical importance. One example is the correspondence of Postmasters General with former Prime Ministers such as William Gladstone. There are also, however, stories of less well-known people. These reveal a more human aspect to postal history.
Examples from our Collection
Here are some examples of items relating to notable individuals in our collection:
History of Francis Freeling’s work at the Post Office, 1809
A history of the work of Francis Freeling at the Post Office.
Anthony Trollope’s signature stamp
Trollope, who became a famous novelist, worked for the Post Office for 33 years from 1834.
Cartoon of Rowland Hill, 1843
Cartoon relating to the decision not to extend Rowland Hill's temporary contract at the Treasury.
Rowland Hill Presentation Casket, 1879
Made to contain the document granting Sir Rowland Hill the Freedom of the City of London.
Letter regarding John Tilley's Knighthood, 19th April 1880
Letter to John Tilley informing him that he will receive a Knighthood.
Derek Carter's statement of employment, 1954
A certificate recording the beginning of Derek Carter's career in the Post Office.
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Pillar Box postcards
A unique set of postcards available now in our online shop
A set of four postcards featuring pillar boxes from our Museum collection housed in Debden, Essex.
Post Office Leaders
Download lists of Post Office executives from the 17th century onwards
Postmasters General, Secretaries to the Post Office, Chairman and Chief Executive Officers of the Post Office.
Rowland Hill's reforms
The story of prepaid postage and the first postage stamps
The reforms introduced by Rowland Hill in the Victorian period changed the face of the British postal service for ever.
