These letters graciously have been shared with the Victorian Web by Eunice and Ron Shanahan; they have been taken from their website. The letters give an insight into the daily lives and concerns of 'ordinary' people without whom history would not exist. The letters are a wonderful example of how much history may be gleaned from such sources.
But what is the answer?
Click on the boxes below for more information
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Penny Posts, local posts, poverty,(Mrs Belcher's plea for help), agricultural labourers etc. |
check this to find out who could send their letters 'free' - and the postmarks by which they can be identified. |
Although this is basically for Victorian times, much of it is also applicable for the previous decades. |
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Further information on prices other than postage. |
The postage rates from 1805-1839, with images of letters showing the amounts charged. |
explanations as to who paid and why, with examples |
Click on the image for a larger view
Many of the letters in our collection are unpaid. Those that have been pre-paid usually have a note to that effect on the front address panel, by the writer of the letter.
This letter of 1717 is such an example: for the contents of this letter click here
Last modified 3 December 2002