St. Albans, Harpenden & District Philatelic Society
"From my Collection"
Some interesting examples from our collections
FREE POSTAGE
Postage free of the usual charges was introduced, as early as 1652,
for correspondence to and from Members of Parliament and some
Officers of State.
In 1764 'FREE' hand stamps were introduced and a wide range of
designs used until 1840, when the system was abolished.
The system was subject to abuse. This example is countersigned
by the Postmaster General himself, as being a genuine use, rather
than possibly a billet doux to Lady Mary !
The postmark is SG type J 'TP Albany Street'.
