The BPMA is the definitive place to find out more information on past postal employees. Many of the records held in our archives are of potential interest to family historians. Royal Mail Group is still one of the largest employers in the country, and with over 370 years of history it has had an impact on countless lives.
Advice for Researchers
Information on individuals may be found in several sources, depending on what they did and where. Our records also vary over time.
This section gives you an idea of where to look and what you may find for various employees. References to our catalogues are given by the word ‘POST’ followed by a number.
Our Family History Research Guide gives more specific information on the range of records for genealogical research. This guide is available in our Search Room when you visit the Archive.
When looking for an ancestor in the archives it pays to come prepared. Our records are extensive and are mostly arranged in date order. If possible bring the following basic information about your ancestor(s) with you - it may save you time:
- Date of birth
- Date of death
- What type of job they had
- Where in the country they worked
If you do not know these details, it may be better to start at a local record office for the area ancestors were believed to have worked.
Family History Research Service
Our team can conduct research into specific family history resources held at The British Postal Museum & Archive on your behalf. There is a charge for this service and full details are outlined in the Family History Research Service information sheet. Orders must be placed by post using the Family History Research Service order form.