Chapter I: Preface

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

CHAPTER XIV.

SMALL (THE POST OFFICE) STREET, BRISTOL: ITS
ANCIENT HISTORY, INFLUENTIAL RESIDENTS, HISTORIC
HOUSES; THE CANNS; THE EARLY HOME OF THE
ELTON FAMILY. _Page_ 175

CHAPTER XV.

THE POST OFFICE TRUNK TELEPHONE SYSTEM AT
BRISTOL. _Page_ 195

CHAPTER XVI.

THE POST OFFICE BENEVOLENT SOCIETY: ITS ANNUAL
MEETING AT BRISTOL.--POST OFFICE SPORTS:
TERRIBLE MOTOR CYCLE ACCIDENT.--BRISTOL POST
OFFICE IN DARKNESS. _Page_ 199

CHAPTER XVII.

QUAINT ADDRESSES.--THE DEAN'S PECULIAR
SIGNATURE.--AMUSING INCIDENTS AND THE POSTMAN'S
KNOCK.--HUMOROUS APPLICATIONS. _Page_ 223