Overview

Despite the fact that mail was first carried by train on the 11th November 1830, it took a further seven years before George Karstadt, a Post Office Surveyor, first suggested the idea of using special railway carriages for the sorting of mail whilst en route. This lead to an experimental Travelling Post Office (TPO) on the Grand Junction Railway between Birmingham and Warrington. The first journey undertaken by the TPO took place on 20 January 1838.

This stamp sheet, limited to 750 copies, shows a visual interpretation of mail being carried on the TPO.

Designed by Adrian Bradbury and printed by Royal Mail.

Part of a series of stamp sheets to be issued in association with the BPMA.

You can view the exhibition The Travelling Post Office online.