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Dominic Sandbrook investigates how the post office has shaped British society, including the arrival of Universal Penny Postage in 1840. From December 2011.

The arrival of Universal Penny Postage in 1840 marked the beginning of the post office as a genuine public service. Introduced by the social reformer, Rowland Hill, he argued that lowering the cost of postage would mean more people would send more letters leading to wider social benefits and increased profits. As secretary of the post office, Hill oversaw the implementation of the world's first adhesive postage stamp, the Penny Black.

As Royal Mail faces an uncertain future, Dominic Sandbrook charts the development of the post office and examines it's impact on literacy, free speech, commerce and communication. The Post Office has become a cherished social institution, linking people together and extending their vision outward into the wider world.

It's called Royal Mail but it should be known as the People's Post

Writer and Presenter: Dominic Sandbrook

Musicians: Sam Lee, Bella Hardy, Mick Sands, Nick Hart

Actors: Morgan George, John Sessions, Simon Tcherniak,
Malcolm Tierney, Jane Whittenshaw

Producer: Joby Waldman
A Somethin Else production for 大象传媒 Radio 4.

15 minutes

Last on

Tue 14 Aug 2018 02:15

Broadcasts

  • Mon 12 Dec 2011 13:45
  • Mon 14 Nov 2016 14:15
  • Tue 15 Nov 2016 02:15
  • Mon 13 Aug 2018 14:15
  • Tue 14 Aug 2018 02:15