The King's Post

When in 1899 I published the "Bristol Royal Mail," I scarcely supposed that it would be practicable to gather further historical facts of local interest sufficient to admit of the compilation of a companion book to that work. Such, however, has been the case, and much additional information has been procured as regards the Mail Services of the District.

Perhaps, after all, that is not surprising as Bristol is a very ancient city, and was once the second place of importance in the kingdom, with necessary constant mail communication with London, the seat of Government.

I am, therefore, enabled to introduce to notice "The King's Post," with the hope that it will prove interesting and find public support equal to that generously afforded to its forerunner, which treated of Mail and Post Office topics from earliest times.

I have been rendered very material assistance in my researches by Mr. J.A. Housden, late of the Savings Bank Department, G.P.O., London; also by Mr. L.C. Kerans, ex-postmaster of Bath, and Messrs. S.I. Toleman and G.E. Chambers, ex-assistant Superintendents of the Bristol Post Office.

I have gathered many interesting facts from "Stage Coach and Mail," by Mr. C.G. Harper, to whom I express hearty indebtedness; and I am also under deep obligation to Mr. Edward Bennett, Editor of the "St. Martin's-le-Grand Magazine," and the Assistant Editor, Mr. Hatswell, for much valuable assistance.

R.C.T.

BRISTOL, September, 1905.

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER I.

THE EARLIEST BRISTOL POSTS, 1580.--FOOT AND RUNNING POSTS.--THE FIRST BRISTOL POSTMASTERS: ALLEN AND TEAGUE, 1644-1660.--THE POST HOUSE.--EARLIEST LETTERS, 1662. Page 1

CHAPTER II.

THE POST HOUSE AT THE DOLPHIN INN, IN DOLPHIN STREET, BRISTOL, 1662.--EXCHANGE AVENUE AND SMALL STREET POST OFFICES, BRISTOL. Page 8

CHAPTER III.

ELIZABETHAN POST TO BRISTOL.--THE QUEEN'S PROGRESS, 1574. Page 16

CHAPTER IV.

THE ROADS.--THE COACH.--MR. JOHN PALMER'S MAIL COACH INNOVATIONS, 1660-1818. Page 22

CHAPTER V.

APPRECIATIONS OF RALPH ALLEN, JOHN PALMER, AND SIR FRANCIS FREELING, MAIL AND COACH ADMINISTRATORS. Page 45

CHAPTER VI.

BRISTOL MAIL COACH ANNOUNCEMENTS, 1802, 1830.--THE NEW GENERAL POST OFFICE, LONDON. Page 62

CHAPTER VII.

THE BRISTOL AND PORTSMOUTH MAIL FROM 1772 ONWARDS.--PROJECTED SOUTH COAST RAILWAY FROM BRISTOL, 1903.--THE BRISTOL TO SALISBURY POSTBOY HELD UP.--MAIL COACH ACCIDENTS.--LUKE KENT AND RICHARD GRIFFITHS, THE MAIL GUARDS. Page 75

CHAPTER VIII.

THE BUSH TAVERN, BRISTOL'S FAMOUS COACHING INN, AND JOHN WEEKS, ITS WORTHY BONIFACE, 1775-1819.--THE WHITE LION COACHING HOUSE, BRISTOL, ISAAC NIBLETT.--THE WHITE HART, BATH. Page 93

CHAPTER IX.

TOLL GATES AND GATE KEEPERS. Page 110

CHAPTER X.

DARING ROBBERIES OF THE BRISTOL MAIL BY HIGHWAYMEN, 1726-1781.--BILL NASH, MAIL COACH ROBBER, CONVICT, AND RICH COLONIST, 1832.--BURGLARIES AT POST OFFICES IN LONDON AND BRISTOL, 1881-1901. Page 119

CHAPTER XI.

MANCHESTER AND LIVERPOOL MAILS.--FROM COACH TO RAIL.--THE WESTERN RAILROAD.--POST OFFICE ARBITRATION CASE. Page 141

CHAPTER XII.

PRIMITIVE POST OFFICE.--FIFTH CLAUSE POSTS.--MAIL CART IN A RHINE.--EFFECT OF GALES ON POST AND TELEGRAPH SERVICE. Page 151

CHAPTER XIII.

BRISTOL REJUVENATED.--VISIT OF PRINCE OF WALES IN CONNECTION WITH THE NEW BRISTOL DOCK.--BRISTOL-JAMAICAN MAIL SERVICE.--AMERICAN MAILS.--BRISTOL SHIP LETTER MAILS.--THE REDLAND POST OFFICE.--THE MEDICAL OFFICER.--BRISTOL TELEGRAPHISTS IN THE SOUTH AFRICAN WAR.--LORD STANLEY, K.C.V.O., C.B., M.P.--MR. J. PAUL BUSH, C.M.G. Page 160