The Post Office

The material in the Archive mostly originates from within the organisation referred to as The Post Office (the name in common usage for Royal Mail and its predecessor bodies). In addition, some material has been deposited by outside agencies and individuals and some has been purchased. Material relates to the operation, policy, development and social impact of The Post Office.

The General Post Office was established in 1660 as a monopoly service, combining the functions of state postal and telecommunications carrier and spawning similar services across the British Empire. From 1660-1969 it was a State Department but in 1969 it became a statutory corporation named The Post Office. In 1981 the corporation was divided by function: into the Post Office for postal needs; and British Communications for other needs.

...