Free Frank Marks Used for the UK Parlimentary System
In the early days of the system, the written word ‘FRANK’ or ‘FREE’, accompanied by the seal and sometimes the name of the person entitled to the privilege was all that appeared on the letter.
In the early days of the system, the written word ‘FRANK’ or ‘FREE’, accompanied by the seal and sometimes the name of the person entitled to the privilege was all that appeared on the letter.
There were two sets of rates in force during the Regency Period: under the Act of 1805 the rates were set for the cost of sending a single sheet letter. If a further sheet was enclosed in the letter the cost was double. If the letter weighed an ounce the cost was four times the base rate.
JL Langley, our Featured Beau Monde Author, is a full-time writer, with over ten novels to her credit.
Who Paid the Postage in the Regency period? There was no compulsion to pay postage until the 1850’s, but the choice to pay or not was available right from the beginning of the postal systems.
The cost of posting a letter has to be seen in the context of the ability to pay. In some cases there would be no cost, if the family was able to send a personal servant to deliver the letter.
Today’s Postal Information is on Letter Writing in the Regency Period. Before 1840 various factors affected the cost of posting a letter. They included the distance involved, the weight, whether there was anything enclosed, whether paid for on despatch or receipt, and whether it was a single or a double sheet.
Valerie Bowman, today’s Featured Beau Monde Author, is a PRO member of RWA and a former Vice President of the First Coast Romance Writers chapter in Jacksonville, FL.
Clothing in the Regency Period is the first part of a series here courtesy of the fantastic collection of information on Postal History at The Ozzie connection.
Miranda Neville, today’s Featured Beau Monde Author, grew up in England before moving to New York City to work in Sotheby’s rare books department.
Barbara Monajem, today’s Featured Beau Monde Author, wrote her first story in third grade about apple tree gnomes.