POST Class 17 contains papers on the mail handling cycle, from collection to delivery. The bulk of material relates to sorting and processing operations. The Class is divided into 19 series. Series 1 and 2 comprise sorting and circulation directories. Series 3-9 generally relate to mechanisation of processing and sorting operations, including development of mechanical aids and the postcode system, letter, packet and parcel sorting machinery, the Post Office Letter and Parcel Post Plans introduced in the late 1960s, new mechanised offices and environmental controls. Series 10-12 concerns the introduction and marketing of postcodes. Series 13 and 14 comprise papers and audit reports on operational organisation and efficiency. The next four series cover local authorities and postal addressing, various sorting methods, processing and sorting equipment, and delivery and collection methods. Series 19 comprises papers relating to general circulation issues.
Sem títuloPOST 2 comprises the Receiver General's monthly record of all money received and expended on a monthly or quarterly basis by the Post Office. However, POST 2/107-112, covering the Bye and Cross Road Letter Office, contain quarterly accounts only. Subject, place and name indexes are included in POST 2/1-44, covering 1677-1748, although they are not contemporary compilations. Dates on volumes prior to 1752 have been revised in the catalogue to conform to the modern Gregorian calendar.
Sem títuloThe Packet Minute series (POST 29 and 34) comprise minutes to the Postmaster General from the Secretary to the Post Office, on the Packet Boat and overseas mails services. It began in 1811, at which date those subjects were transferred from the Postmaster General's Minute series (POST 30 and 35).
POST 29 consists of volumes containing a copy of, or reference to, every minute submitted to the Postmaster General, including those which have since been destroyed. POST 34/1 - 105 are indexed. The Postmaster General's decision on each case is also recorded. POST 29 consists of those actual papers which are still in existence (comprising both the original minute to the Postmaster General and the papers leading up to, and following from, the Secretary's submission). It has been produced in two versions, one numerical and the other alphabetical, i.e., set out under subject headings. When requisitioning papers, both the catalogue reference Nos. and the Minute No. should be quoted, e.g., POST 29/4, Pkt 203B/1314.
For details of how this class relates to the other report and minute classes, see the following section 'Related Material'.
Sem títuloThis series comprises 'minuted' papers relating to all manner of Post Office matters.
'Minuted' papers were those papers which had been submitted to the Postmaster General for a decision, and then been retained in the Post Office registry. At first, the papers 'minuted' tended only to be the particular case submitted to the Postmaster General but, as time went on, registry staff followed a practice of continuing to add physically to an existing minuted case all other cases on that subject which came to hand. As a result, the minuted papers frequently consist of quite large bundles of files on a common subject spanning many years. The date range of the files is consequently often much earlier or much later than the date suggested by the 'Former Reference' used by the registry staff and, in many cases, the precise dates covered by the files have not yet been listed. The subject of individual files among the minuted papers can be wide-ranging, from the mundane administrative minutiae to policy decisions on developments of critical importance.
Sem títuloThis series consists of volumes containing a précis of, or reference to, every minute submitted by the Post Office Secretaries, of England and Ireland, to the Postmaster General in London, in relation to all aspects of postal operations and administration within the Irish postal service.
Much of the actual paperwork referred to in these volumes can be found in the accompanying class POST 31 (Irish Minute Papers). For further details of how this class relates to the other report and minute classes, see the following section 'Related Material'.
Sem títuloThis series consists of volumes containing the title of every minute submitted to the Postmaster General relating to all aspects of Post Office administration. There are also separate bound indices to the minutes. This general minute series was introduced in 1921, replacing the formerly separate England and Wales, Ireland, Scotland, and Packet series of minutes.
Much of the actual paperwork referred to in these volumes can be found in the accompanying class POST 33 (Postmaster General's Minute Papers). Minutes referred to in this class can also be found in POST 102 (Decimal Filing Series) and POST 122 (Minuted and Decentralised Registry Papers). For further details of how this class relates to the other report and minute classes, see the following section 'Related Material'.
Sem títuloThe Postmaster General's Report series (POST 40 and POST 42) began in about 1790 and comprise reports on all aspects of Post Office organisation in England, Wales and Scotland; as well as those on the Packet Boat service and overseas postal arrangements up to 1807, when a separate Packet Report series (POST 39 and POST 41) was introduced.
POST 42 comprises reports on all aspects of Post Office business and until 1837, when this report series faded out, the reports referred to important cases, such as the running of major departments and key decisions. It consists of volumes containing copies of reports to, and minutes from, the Postmaster General (including those which have since been destroyed), and is the only guide to the contents of POST 40. POST 42/1-25, 35-42, 59-139 and 141 are indexed. The Postmaster General's decision on each case is also recorded.
The class includes a degree of duplication. [Series A], which are Indices of subjects, persons and places, are duplicated with additional notes in [Series B]. [Series A] are duplicated as abstracts in [Series D], and [Series D] are duplicated with additional notes in [Series E].
In 1794 a parallel series entitled Postmaster General's Minutes (POST 30 and POST 35) was created, followed in 1811 by a Packet Minute series (POST 29 and 34), corresponding with the packet reports. When the Report series came to an end around 1837 the Minutes were continued alone. The Reports seem to have been the more important of the two series, while the early Minutes were concerned mainly with comparatively minor matters relating to personnel, etc.
For further details of how this class relates to the other report and minute classes, see the following section 'Related Material'.
Sem títuloThis class primarily relates to the establishment and organisation of the packet boat and shipping services between the United Kingdom and overseas. There are a small number of records relating to operational procedures between the Post Office and HM Customs and Excise Office. The records mainly consist of Post Office Daily Lists of ship's departure and arrival times, and mail carried. It also contains Packet boat log books, voyage record books and Packet station correspondence relating to personnel, stores held, and armed conflict.
It also includes some later records concerning the general organisation of overseas mail including by air.
Some records have been re-classified from POST 12 and POST 45.
Sem títuloThis series contains material on the recruitment of Post Office staff. It covers methods of recruitment, the examinations involved, the various types of posts, the different methods of admission, and the problems encountered regarding recruitment, such as shortage of labour and the employment of disabled persons.
Sem títuloThis series contains records relating to the nomination and appointment of staff, both Established and non-Established. It consists mainly of volumes, in which vacancies, nominations, and appointments were recorded. It also contains records relating to bonds paid, and papers relating to the appointment of specific individuals.
Prior to 1831 appointment records were not kept uniformly over the country and separate series were created. In 1831 centralised employment records were created by copying the relevant minute numbers and brief details relating to appointment, transfer, dismissal, resignation, retirement, or death.
Some records were transferred from POST 14.
Sem títuloThis series consists of reports, memoranda and correspondence outlining training activities in The Post Office and considering the training needs of Post Office staff.
Sem títuloThis series comprises material relating to the formation, functions and administration of Post Office Staff Associations.
Sem títuloThis record series mainly comprises reports, correspondence, statistics, staff manuals and historical summaries on the organisation, policy, development and operation of The Post Office Engineering Department and its successors.
Sem títuloThis series consists of a collection of arbitration cases between the Postmaster General and private telegraph companies; memoranda by heads of Post Office departments and their correspondence, records of the Central Telegraph Office, lighthouses and lightvessels, circuits and codes, mobile facilities for telegraphs at race meetings and special events; Letters Patent taken out by inventors and specifications of inventions.
Sem títuloThis series comprises a wide variety of 18th, 19th and some 20th century account books and schedules relating to Post Office business.
A number of items in this series will be useful to researchers of 19th century family history. POST 9/112-130 contains names of mail conveyance contractors, 1854-1874; POST 9/139 list names of postmasters, 1847- 1848; POST 9/66-76 includes names of postmasters and their date of appointment, 1855-1873; POST 9/146-163 contains names of officers working in the Post Office in London. The volumes do not contain name indexes.
Sem títuloThe papers of Thomas Frankland, Postmaster General with Sir Robert Cotton 1691-1708 and with Sir John Evelyn 1708 -1715. Frankland largely increased the revenues of the Post Office and was retained as Postmaster General by Queen Anne after the death of King William. Volume containing various letters and petitions regarding packet services, including foreign packets and freight of goods. The opening of the volume shows the collection to have been sold in 1893, giving a catalogue description from the sale, then another sale and catalogue description from 1895.
Sem títuloSociety of Apothecaries of London: Clerks' letter books, 1876-1953, comprise volumes of outgoing correspondence, originating from the Clerks, James Richard Upton (1871-1901), Archer Mowbray Upton (1901-1916), Arthur Bingham Watson (1916-1927), Philip Beaumont Frere (1928-1932), Henry Cooper (1932-1941) and Ernest Busby (1941-1977). Each volume is indexed by subject, name and place and the letters reflect the range of duties, responsibilities and activities of the Clerk on behalf of the Society, as its most senior Officer.
Sem títuloThis series contains correspondence, memoranda and extracts from minutes concerning current supplies for railways, modifications to Lots Road Power Station, the construction and improvement of substations, the installation of apparatus and electrical interference with broadcasting.
Sem títuloThis series contains correspondence, memoranda, minutes and reports concerning the renewal and improvement of rolling stock on various lines including details of designs of rolling stock cars, the fiftieth anniversary of the District Line, the modernisation of equipment and the replacement of steam locomotives.
Sem títuloThis series contains correspondence, memoranda and extracts from minutes concerning proposed sites, modifications to garages and the construction of new garages.
Sem títuloThis series contains memoranda and extracts from minutes concerning the construction of new garages, the installation of new equipment and the extension of existing garages.
Sem títuloThis series contains correspondence, memoranda and minutes concerning the construction, maintenance and operation of garages.
Sem títuloThis series contains correspondence, memoranda and extracts from minutes concerning tram and trolleybus overhead gear including details of the installation of apparatus, the design of overhead gear, and costs and tenders for the provision of equipment. Includes photographs and designs of equipment and maps of routes.
Sem títuloThis series contains correspondence, memoranda and extracts from minutes concerning arrangements for the coronation of George VI including details of measures to control passenger traffic and congestion, openings and closures of stations, the rehearsal of the procession, special travel services and facilities and references to the coronation of Edward VIII.
Sem títuloThis series contains correspondence, memoranda and extracts from minutes including details of possible railway extensions, trolleybus and bus facilities, a survey of the passenger transport facilities in the London Passenger Transport area and other companies' interest in the Board's outer area.
Sem títuloThis series contains correspondence, memoranda and reports concerning the proposed prohibition of horse-drawn traffic, the restricted use of heavy vehicles, the possible improvement of the position of rear lights on road vehicles, the prohibition of the use of horns in certain zones and restrictions of the use of certain routes by specific types of vehicles.
Sem títuloThis series contains reports, memoranda and correspondence including details of the Railway Benevolent Fund, the British Institution of Management, an international congress on Industrial Medicine, a competition to design a bus shelter and a London Transport pageant. Also includes correspondence and invitations to exhibitions and articles for the press by members of staff.
Sem títuloThis series contains details of passes for London Passenger Transport Board travel, including the issue of passes for trade union representatives and Metropolitan and City Police Officers, people training with the armed services, adopted children, staff and dependents as well as the use of privilege tickets for the main line railways such as concessions for staff travelling to the coast.
Sem títuloTypescript draft, with corrections, of paper 'The Piltdown Problem Reconsidered' by Dr Kenneth Page Oakley, [1972]. Paper describes the circumstances of the original Piltdown discovery by Charles Dawson and recounts Oakley's involvement in proving that the affair was a fraud.
Sem títuloVarious papers relating to the search for coal and oil in the Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire area of the Midlands between 1900 and 1926, and the presence of oil in England more widely. They include maps, correspondence, reports, proofs of articles and publicity literature, legal documents, and newscuttings.
They mostly cover the period from 1911 to 1919, and relate to the discovery of oil in August 1911 at Kelham, Nottinghamshire, with one file covering a later peiod (1920s) and focusing on coal borings in Lincolnshire.
Sem títuloPapers of William Hutton, [1827-1831], comprising:
Two ink drawings of Coal Measure plants, by William Hutton, from the Northumberland and Durham coal-field, [1827]; draft of paper 'On the Stratiform Basalt associated with the Carboniferous formation of the North of England' by William Hutton, accompanied by 12 ink sketches of sections, [1831].
Sem títuloManuscript map 'Geological outlines of the country in the vicinity of the Swan River, Western Australia, compiled at the request of his Excellency John Hutt, Esq' and an accompanying geological memoir with list of fossils by Joshua William Gregory and Francis Thomas Gregory, 1846.
Sem título'Scotland coloured according to the rock formations', by Louis Albert Necker, [1808]. Geological colouring on base map 'North Britain or Scotland divided into its Counties, corrected from the best surveys and astronomical observations by Thomas Kitchin', published by William Faden, 1 December 1778. Dissected on cloth.
Sem títuloPapers of Frederic William Harmer, comprising maps of East Anglia, annotated with geological lines, notes and colouring, used as field maps during research into glacial deposits in the south east of England, in collaboration with Searles Valentine Wood jnr, [1862-1872]. Base maps are Ordnance Survey, one inch (Old Series) sheets nos 50-51, 65-69 (quarter sheets).
Sem títuloScientific and general correspondence addressed to Thomas George Bonney, written between 1858 and 1919. There are 68 letters from 38 correspondents, some of them notable scientific figures such as: Sir Charles Lyell; William Thomson, Lord Kelvin; Joseph Lister; Adam Sedgwick and William Sollas.
Sem títuloPapers of John MACCULLOCH, [1808-1858], principally comprising:
Proofs and publications of John MacCulloch - Author's reprints of nine papers published in the 'Transactions of the Geological Society of London, 1811-1817; Printed proofs of John MACCULLOCH's paper, "On malaria", parts 1 and 2, from the 'Quarterly Journal of Science, Literature and the Arts', 1827; Proofs for John MACCULLOCH's book 'Proofs and illustrations of the attributes of God, from the facts and laws of the physical universe; being the foundation of natural and revealed religion', 1832-[1837];
Prints and drawings by John MacCulloch, including - the Channel Islands, 1811; granite tors of Cornwal and Devon, 1814; Glen Roy, 1817; Western Isles of Scotland, 1819; Conwy and Dunkeld, [1808]-1822, although file contains some later material not by MacCulloch; Pentland Hills and Dumfriesshire, [nd, c.1810s]; 'Illustrations of the Highlands of Scotland', [c.1820s]; album of sketches and prints, [1810-1832];
Maps and sections by John MacCulloch - Sections, elevation and plan of the strata of Heligoland, 1809; Watercolours of fracturing of veins in limestone with sections, 1811; Geological map of Scotland, 1836 [poor condition].
Sem títuloAgenda, minutes and papers of the working party, submissions and a final report and policy document on the future of the RCOG, 1989-1992.
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