Postal History Society

The Postal History Society

LetterWelcome to the society devoted to all aspects of postal history

How The Postal History Society can benefit you

  • Free copies of an award winning quarterly journal "Postal History".
  • Regular all-day meetings held in London and the provinces;
  • Books published by the Society and other organisations at discounted prices;
  • Assistance with the publication of members' research;
  • Access to an extensive library of reference works;
  • Annual Conference where members see leading collections and exchange information and socialise;
  • Annual auction where you can both dispose of, and acquire, interesting items;
  • The chance to meet and correspond, both on your particular interests, and to learn more about new topics from experts in a wide range of subjects.

About the Society

Letter 2History and Aims

The Postal History Society was founded in 1936 to promote and encourage the study, enjoyment and understanding of the postal service worldwide from its beginning to the present day. It brings together collectors, researchers and dealers around the world.

Whether your interest is in covers, postal routes, postal rates, postmarks, letters, ephemera or postal antiques, from Aden to Zimbabwe, the Postal History Society offers you the chance to expand your knowledge and exchange both information and material.

Meetings

The Society holds regular meetings throughout the year at a number of locations around the country. Each meeting is organised by a convenor and usually opens with an invited display followed by presentations by members. Full details and a booking form are sent to all members with the journal "Postal History"

Non members are most welcome at a meeting if they are interested in joining. For details please contact: Norman Higson, PHS Membership Secretary, P O Box 999, Cheltenham, GL50 9GA, UK. Email: postalhistory@tiscali.co.uk

Other Activities

A highlight of the year is the Society's annual conference and AGM, usually held at a hotel in a major provincial city or town. Members and guests have the opportunity to view and discuss displays by leading postal historians, display items from their own collections and exchange information during a residential weekend.

The conference is also the venue for the auction and the annual competition (16 sheets on any postal history subject) in which members are encouraged to participate. Members attending judge each entry and a cup is presented to the winner.

The society is also represented at other philatelic events, including Midpex and other occasional fairs.

Now you know the benefits why not complete the application form and join the Postal History Society?

About postal history

Letter 3What is postal history?

Postal History is the story of written global communication in every form. Clay tablets, papyrus and parchment were the forerunners of today's e-mail and world wide web. Because the envelope did not come into general use until the 1840's, and much later in some countries, many early letters have survived intact. They cover every conceivable aspect of life.

The study of postal history includes postal routes, rates, the method of communication, postal markings, artefacts and the "inside story" - the contents of letters - they may relate to a campaign, pioneer flight, the social, economic and political life of a community, a country and relationships between nations.

The Method of Communication

The letter or envelope can tell the historian whether it was carried on foot, on horseback, by stage coach, railway, ship, balloon, airliner or even pigeon or rocket. It can answer questions about the route taken and the length of the journey.

Was the letter delayed by wreck, earthquake or war? How did the postman deliver the letter in the days before street numbers and names? All these questions and many others form the essence of postal history.