The Project Gutenberg eBook ofThe King's PostThis ebook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this ebook or online atwww.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this eBook.Title: The King's PostAuthor: Robert Charles TombsRelease date: April 7, 2009 [eBook #28533]Most recently updated: January 4, 2021Language: EnglishCredits: Produced by Adrian Mastronardi, Jane Hyland, The PhilatelicDigital Library Project at http://www.tpdlp.net and theOnline Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE KING'S POST ***
This ebook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this ebook or online atwww.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this eBook.
Title: The King's PostAuthor: Robert Charles TombsRelease date: April 7, 2009 [eBook #28533]Most recently updated: January 4, 2021Language: EnglishCredits: Produced by Adrian Mastronardi, Jane Hyland, The PhilatelicDigital Library Project at http://www.tpdlp.net and theOnline Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net
Title: The King's Post
Author: Robert Charles Tombs
Author: Robert Charles Tombs
Release date: April 7, 2009 [eBook #28533]Most recently updated: January 4, 2021
Language: English
Credits: Produced by Adrian Mastronardi, Jane Hyland, The PhilatelicDigital Library Project at http://www.tpdlp.net and theOnline Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net
*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE KING'S POST ***
Frontispiece. THE RIGHT HON. LORD STANLEY, K.C.V.O., C.B., M.P. (Postmaster-General.)[Frontispiece.THE RIGHT HON. LORD STANLEY, K.C.V.O., C.B., M.P.(Postmaster-General.)
Being a volume of historical facts relating tothe Posts, Mail Coaches, Coach Roads,and Railway Mail Services of andconnected with the AncientCity of Bristol from 1580to the presenttime.
Ex-Controller of the London Postal Service, and late Surveyor-Postmaster of Bristol;Author of "The London Postal Service of To-day""Visitors' Handbook to General Post Office, London""The Bristol Royal Mail."
Bristol
W.C. Hemmons, Publisher, St. Stephen Street.
1905
2nd Edit., 1906. Entered Stationers' Hall.
TOTHE RIGHT HON. LORD STANLEY,K.C.V.O., C.B., M.P.,HIS MAJESTY'S POSTMASTER-GENERAL,THIS VOLUME IS DEDICATEDAS A TESTIMONY OF HIGHAPPRECIATION OF HIS DEVOTIONTO THE PUBLIC SERVICE ATHOME AND ABROAD,BYHIS FAITHFUL SERVANT,THE AUTHOR.
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 willprove 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.
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, 1662.1CHAPTER II.The Post House at the Dolphin Inn, in Dolphin Street, Bristol, 1662.— Exchange Avenue and Small Street Post Offices, Bristol.8CHAPTER III.Elizabethan Post to Bristol.—The Queen's Progress, 1574.16CHAPTER IV.The Roads.—The Coach.—Mr. John Palmer's Mail Coach Innovations, 1660-1818.22CHAPTER V.Appreciations of Ralph Allen, John Palmer, and Sir Francis Freeling, Mail and Coach Administrators.45CHAPTER VI.Bristol Mail Coach Announcements, 1802, 1830.—The New General Post Office, London.62CHAPTER 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.75CHAPTER 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.93CHAPTER IX.Toll Gates and Gate Keepers.110CHAPTER 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, 1881-1901.119CHAPTER XI.Manchester and Liverpool Mails.—From Coach to Rail.—The Western Railroad.—Post Office Arbitration Case.141CHAPTER XII.Primitive Post Office.—Fifth Clause Posts.—Mail Cart in a Rhine. —Effect of Gales on Post and Telegraph Service.151CHAPTER 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.160CHAPTER XIV.Small (The Post Office) Street, Bristol: its Ancient History, Influential Residents, Historic Houses; The Canns; The Early Home of the Elton Family.175CHAPTER XV.The Post Office Trunk Telephone System at Bristol.195CHAPTER XVI.The Post Office Benevolent Society: its Annual Meeting at Bristol.—Post Office Sports: Terrible Motor Cycle Accident.—Bristol Post Office in Darkness.199CHAPTER XVII.Quaint Addresses.—The Dean's Peculiar Signature.—Amusing Incidents and the Postman's Knock.—Humorous Applications.223CHAPTER XVIII.Postmasters-General (Rt. Hon. A. Morley and the Marquis of Londonderry) Visit Bristol.—The Postmaster of the House of Commons.—The King's New Postage Stamps.—Coronation of King Edward VII.—Loyalty of Post Office Staff.—Mrs. Varnam-Coggan's Coronation Poem.232
TO FACE PAGE1.The Rt. Hon. Lord Stanley, K.C.V.O., C.B., M.P.Frontispiece.2.The Old Post House in Dolphin Street, Bristol73.The Bristol Post Office, 1750-186894.The Bristol Post Office as enlarged in 1889155.A State Coach of the period of King Charles I.236.The Bath and Bristol Waggon257.John Palmer at the age of 17278.The Old Letter Woman299.The Old General Post Office in Lombard Street, London3110.Anthony Todd3511.John Palmer at the age of 754412.Medal Struck in honour of Ralph Allen4913.Mail Coach Tokens5114.Birthplace of Sir Francis Freeling5315.The Old Bristol Post Office in Exchange Avenue6016.How the Mails were conveyed to Bristol in the days of King George IV.6917.The Bristol and London Coach taking up Mails without halting7218.The General Post Office, London, in 18307419.Mail Coach Guard's Post Horn9020.Avon Trimobile Motor Van9221.Mural Tablet to John Weeks9522.The Old White Lion Coaching Inn, Broad Street, Bristol10723.Mr. Stanley White's Coach10824.Mr. Stanley White's Motor Car10825.Bagstone Turnpike House11126.Charfield Turnpike House11227.Wickwar Road Turnpike House11428.Wotton-under-Edge Turnpike House11629.St. Michael's Hill Turnpike House11730.Stanton Drew Turnpike House11931.The White Hart Coaching Inn, Bath13232.Old Post Office, Westbury-on-Trym13633.Primitive Great Western Railway Train14334.Bristol and Exeter Train, 184414535.Great Western Railway Engine: "La France"14836.Horton Thatched Post Office15237.Early Bristol Post Marks15438.Sir Alfred Jones, K.C.M.G.16039.The "Port Kingston"16140.The "Port Royal"16241.Mr. F.P. Lansdown17142.Mr. J. Paul Bush, C.M.G.17443.Elton Mansion17744.Sir Abraham Elton18445.Lady Elton18546.Gargoyle in Elton Mansion18847.Ancient Chimney-piece19148.Edward Colston19249.Charles II.19350.King Charles, Flight of19451.Columbia Stamping Machine19852.Postmaster of Bristol(The Author)21153.Quaintly Addressed Envelopes22454.Prudent Man's Fund Receipt Note23155.Address to the King241
THE EARLIEST BRISTOL POSTS, 1580.—FOOT AND RUNNING POSTS.—THE FIRST BRISTOL POSTMASTERS: ALLEN AND TEAGUE, 1644-1660.—THE POST HOUSE.—EARLIEST LETTERS, 1662.
THE EARLIEST BRISTOL POSTS, 1580.—FOOT AND RUNNING POSTS.—THE FIRST BRISTOL POSTMASTERS: ALLEN AND TEAGUE, 1644-1660.—THE POST HOUSE.—EARLIEST LETTERS, 1662.
The difficulty in Queen Elizabeth's time of communicating with persons at a distance from Bristol before the establishment of a post office is illustrated by the following item from the City Chamberlain's accounts:—
"1580, August. Paid to Savage, the foot post, to go to Wellington with a letter to the Recorder touching the holding of the Sessions, and if not there to go to Wimborne Minster, where he has a house, where he found him, and returned with a letter; which post was six days upon that journey in very foul weather, and I paid him for his pains 13s. 4d."
The next record of a person performing postman's work in Bristol is that of 1615, when theCity Chamberlain paid a tradesman 12s. "for cloth to make Packer, the foot post, a coat." In 1616, Packer was sent by the same official to Brewham to collect rents, and was paid 3s. 8d. for a journey, out and home, of 60 miles. This system of a foot post to collect money in King James the First's reign appears to be an early application of the somewhat analogous plan, which of recent years has been under departmental consideration as "C.O.D.," or collection of business and trade charges by the postman on delivery of parcels—an exemplification of there being nothing new under the sun!
That travelling and the conveyance of letters was difficult in 1626 is evident from the fact that nearly £60 was spent in setting up wooden posts along the highway and causeway at Kingswood, for the guidance of travellers, the tracks being then unenclosed, so that the "foot post" must have had no enviable task on his journeys. In October, 1637, John Freeman was appointed "thorough post" at Bristol, and ordered to provide horses for all men riding post on the King's affairs of King Charles I: Letters were not to bedetained more than half a quarter of an hour, and the carriers were to run seven miles an hour in summer, and five in winter. A Government "running post" from London to Bristol and other towns was ordered on July 31st, 1638. No messengers were thenceforth to run to and from Bristol except those appointed by Thomas Withering, but letters were allowed to be sent by common carriers, or by private messengers passing between friends. The postage was fixed at twopence for under 80 miles, and at fourpence for under 140 miles.
In 1644 Lord Hopton "commanded" the grant of the freedom of Bristol to one Richard Allen, "Postmaster-General." In August, 1643, Lord Hopton was appointed Lieutenant-Governor of Bristol, and held that appointment until 1645, when Fairfax took the city. Probably Allen was Postmaster-General of Bristol, and his authority may have extended to other parts of the country that were held by the King's forces. Prideaux was appointed Master of the Posts by Parliament, and his jurisdiction extended as far as the country was under the control of Parliament, as distinguished from such parts of England as adheredto the King. In 1644, however, very few places—Bristol was one of them—still adhered to Charles. At an earlier stage of the civil war special posts had been arranged for the King's service, and it is thought Bristol was one of the places to which these special posts were arranged.
In the Calendar of State Papers, under the year 1660, there is a complaint against one "Teig," an anabaptist Postmaster of Bristol, who broke open letters directed to the King's friends.
The complaint against him appears to have been very seriously considered by the authorities, and it induced his friends to take up the cudgels in his behalf as indicated by the following memorials:—
"To the Hon. John Weaver, Esq.: of the Council of State: Honoured Sir—Having so fit a Messenger I would not omit to acquaint you what a sad state and condition we are fallen into: How the good old cause is now sunke and a horrid spirit of Prophaneous Malignity and revenge is risen up Trampling on all those who have the face of godlinesse and have been of ye Parliamtparty insoemuch that if the Lord doe not interpose I doubt a Mascare will follow."
"Sir—I have a request to make in the behalfe of this Bearer Mr Teage who is an honest faithfull sober man That you would stead him what you can about his continuance in the Post Office for this Citty. I beleive it will be but for a short continuance for I beleive that few honnest men in England shall have any place of trust or profit. The Cavilears Threaten a rooting out all Suddamly Thus with the tender of my old love and reall respects to you I take leave and Rest Your most humble and obliged servant, Ja Powell Bristoll this 14th April 60."
"To the Right Honblethe Comittee appointed by the Councill of State for the Management of the Poste affaire Whereas John Teage who hath formerly beene actually in Armes for ye Parliamtand since that being an Inhabitant of this Citty hath beene Postmaster here for many years last past He being a person well qualified and capable for such an imploiment We doe therefore humbly recomend him to your Honorsto be continued in his said place And we doubt not of his faithfull management thereof
"Given under our hands at Bristoll this 14thday of Aprill 1660. Edwd. Tyson (?)Mayr.Henry GibbesAldmRobert YatesAldmJames Parsons Ch (?) Dooney George Lane,Junior, J. Holwey Nehe CottingAndrew Hooke James Powell Richd BaughTho. Deane Robert HannJames Phelps (?) Abell Kelly."(Two other names undecipherable.)
Having regard to the looseness of the spelling at that period, it is he, no doubt, who is mentioned later on as the "Mr. Teague" at the Dolphin, to whose care a Mr. Browne's letter was addressed in 1671. If Teig or Teague did continue at his post until 1671 he must have renounced his Anabaptist opinions and conformed, for no Postmaster was to remain in the service unless he was conformable to the discipline of the Church of England.
Evans mentions in his Chronological History, under 1663, a letter addressed: "To Mr. John Hellier, at his house in Corn Street, in Bristol Citty," from which it may be inferred that a postman was then employed for deliveries in the principal streets.
THE OLD POST-HOUSE IN DOLPHIN STREET, BRISTOL.THE OLD POST-HOUSE IN DOLPHIN STREET, BRISTOL.
In the Broadmead Chapel Records (1648-1687), published in 1847, and now in the Baptist College, there is mention, at page 126, of a letter of Mr. Robert Browne, "To my much revered brother, Mr. Terrill, at his house in Bristol. To be left with Mr. Mitchell, near the Post Office." The letter was dated Worcester, 15 d. 1 m. 1670-1, and signed Robert Browne, with this foot-note, "I am forced to send now by way of London." A second letter of Mr. Browne, sent in April, 1671, is mentioned likewise. It is addressed "To my respected friend Mr. Terrill, at his house in Bristol. To be left with Mr. Teague at the Dolphin, in Bristol," and begins "My dear Brother, I hope you have receeived both mine, that one sent by the way of London, the other by the trow from Worcester."
THE POST HOUSE AT THE DOLPHIN INN, IN DOLPHIN STREET, BRISTOL, 1662.—EXCHANGE AVENUE AND SMALL STREET POST OFFICES, BRISTOL.
THE POST HOUSE AT THE DOLPHIN INN, IN DOLPHIN STREET, BRISTOL, 1662.—EXCHANGE AVENUE AND SMALL STREET POST OFFICES, BRISTOL.
That a Bristol Post-house existed early in the reign of King Charles II. is indicated by a letter preserved at the Bristol Museum Library, which was sent in August of 1662 from Oxford, and is addressed: "This to be left at the Post-house in Bristol for my honoured landlord, Thomas Gore, Esquire, living at Barrow in Somerset. Post paid to London."
The Dolphin Inn was for several years—even down to 1700—the Bristol Post-house, and it was there that the postboys stabled their horses. The inn long afterwards gave its name to Dolphin Street, which the street still retains. It is believed the inn stood near the low buildings with large gateway, in Dolphin Street, shown in the illustration. These premises at the time the picturewas drawn, in about 1815, had become the stables of the Bush Inn in Corn Street, long celebrated as Bristol's most famous coaching inn. The site has, until quite recently, been used in connection with the carrying business.
THE BRISTOL POST OFFICE, 1750-1868.THE BRISTOL POST OFFICE, 1750-1868.
In 1700 the first actual Post Office was built. It was erected in All Saints' Lane, and was held by one Henry Pine, as Postmaster. This Post Office served the city's purpose until 1742, when the site was required in connection with the building of the Exchange, and the Post Office was transferred to Small Street. In September of that year (1742), an advertisement describes the best boarding school for boys in Bristol as being kept in Small Street by Mr. John Jones, in rooms "over the Post-house." What kind of building this was is uncertain, as there is no picture of it obtainable. Indeed, the first traceable illustration of a Bristol Post Office is the engraving, a copy of which is here reproduced, depicting the building erected in 1750, at the corner of the Exchange Avenue as it appeared in 1805, when it was described as "a handsome freestone building, situated on the west side of the Exchange,to which it forms a side wing, projecting some feet forward in the street; on the east side being another building answerable thereto." These premises served as the Post Office for the long period of 118 years.
The first half of the present Bristol Post Office premises in Small Street was occupied by Messrs. Freeman and Brass and Copper Company.
As a matter of history, a copy of the abstract of conveyance may, perhaps, be fittingly introduced. It sets forth the particulars of the uses to which the site was originally put before taken by the Post Office.
"21st December, 1865.—By Indenture between the Bristol City Chambers Company, Limited, (thereinafter called the Company) of the one part, and the Right Honourable Edward John Lord Stanley of Alderley, Her Majesty's Postmaster General for the time being, of the other part
"It is witnessed that in consideration of £8,000 paid by the said Postmaster General to the said Company the said Company did thereby grant and convey unto Her Majesty's Postmaster General his successors and assigns—
"Firstly All that plot piece or parcel of ground situate in the Parish of St.-Werburgh in the City of Bristol on the South West side of and fronting to Small Street aforesaid specified in the plan drawn in the margin of the first Skin of abstracting Indenture said piece of land being therein distinguished by an edging of red color which said plot of ground formed the site of a certain messuage warehouses and buildings recently pulled down which said premises were in certain Deeds dated 13th February, 1861, described as 'All that messuage or Warehouse situate on the South West side of and fronting to Small Street in the City of Bristol then lately in the occupation of Messrs. Turpin & Langdon Book Binders but then void and also all those Warehouses Counting-house Rooms Yard and Buildings situate lying and being behind and adjoining to the said last named messuage or Warehouse and then and for some time past in the occupation of Messrs. John Freeman and Copper Company and used by them for the purposes of their Co-partnership trade and business.' Secondly, All that plot piece or parcel of ground adjoining the heredits firstly thereinbeforedescribed on the North West side thereof and also fronting to Small Street aforesaid and specified on the said plan and therein distinguished by an edging of blue color which said plot of ground formed the site of certain premises also then recently pulled down which said premises were in certain Deeds dated 13th February 1861 described as "All that messuage or dwelling-house formerly in the holding of Thomas Edwards Linen Draper since that of William Lewis Tailor afterwards and for many years of John Powell Rich then of George Smith as Tenants to Messrs. Bright & Daniel afterwards of Daniel George but then unoccupied situate and being No. 6 in Small Street in the Parish of St.-Werburgh in the City of Bristol between a messuage or tenement formerly in the possession of Messrs. Harford & Coy. Iron Merchants but then of the Bristol Water Works Company on or towards the north part and a Coach-house yard and premises then formerly in the occupation of Richard Bright and Thomas Daniel and then Co-partners trading under the Firm of the Bristol Copper Company but then the property of the said James Ford onthe South part and extending from said Street called Small Street on the East part backward to the West unto part of the ground built on by the said Copper Company the Wall between the Warehouse and said messuage."
When, in the year 1867, the plan for this new Post Office building in Small Street had been prepared and Treasury authority obtained for the expenditure of a sum of £8,000 in the erection of the building, the Inland Revenue Department asked for accommodation in the structure, and it was arranged that its staff should be lodged on the first floor of the new building. The building itself had, therefore, to be carried to a greater height than had originally been contemplated. This alteration cost £3,000. There is still evidence in the building of the occupation of the Inland Revenue staff, iron gates and spiked barriers in the first floor passage to cut off their rooms from the Post Office section still remaining.
The authorities of the Post Office accepted tenders in September, 1887, for the demolition of certain premises known as "New Buildings" and for the erection thereon of additional premisesfor the accommodation of the growing Postal staff. The work began on the 26th September. The cost of the new wing was estimated at £16,000. Beneath the superstructure there were two tiers of ancient cellars, one below the other, forming part of the original mediæval mansion once owned by the Creswick family; and the removal of these was attended with much difficulty. The new building was opened for business on the 4th November, 1889.
In Parliament. Session 1903. Post Office (Acquisition of Sites) Power to the Postmaster-General to acquire Lands, Houses, and Buildings in Bristol for the service of the Post Office. Notice is hereby given that application is intended to be made to Parliament in the next session for an Act for the following purposes or some of them (that is to say):—To empower His Majesty's Postmaster-General (hereinafter called 'the Postmaster-General') to acquire for the service of the Post Office, by compulsory purchase or otherwise, the lands, houses, and buildings hereinafter described, that is to say:—
"Bristol: (Extension of Head Post Office).Certain lands, houses, offices, buildings and premises situate in the parish of St. Werburgh, in the city and county of Bristol, in the county of Gloucester, and lying on the south-west side of Small Street, and the east side of St. Leonards Lane."
[By permission of "The Bristol Observer." THE BRISTOL POST OFFICE AS ENLARGED IN 1889.[By permission of "The Bristol Observer."THE BRISTOL POST OFFICE AS ENLARGED IN 1889.
Thus commenced a portentous notice which appeared in a Bristol newspaper, and had reference to the Bristol Water Works premises being acquired for the further enlargement of the Post Office buildings.
The superficial area of the ground on which the Bristol Post Office stands is a little over 17,000 square feet. The new site joins the present Post Office structure, and has a frontage of 88 feet to Small Street. Its area is 11,715 superficial feet, so that the enlargement will be considerable but by no means excessive, having regard to the extremely rapid development of the Bristol Post Office business.
ELIZABETHAN POST TO BRISTOL.—THE QUEEN'S PROGRESS, 1574.
Particulars are on record respecting a very early Post from the Court of Queen Elizabeth to Bristol. At that period it occupied more days for the Monarch to travel in Sovereign State to Bristol than it does hours in these days of Great Western "fliers." It seems that Queen Elizabeth made a Progress to Bristol in 1574. She travelled from London by way of Woodstock and Berkeley. She arrived at Bristol, August 14, 1574, and had a splendid and elaborate reception:—
"Before the Queen left Bristol she knighted her host, John Young, who, in return for the honour done him, gave her a jewel containing rubies and diamonds, and ornamented with a Phœnix and Salamander. She did not get quit of the city until after she had listened to many weary versesdescribing the tears and sorrows of the citizens at her departure, and their earnest prayer for her prosperity. From Bristol she travelled to Sir T. Thynne's, at Longleat, and from Longleat across Salisbury Plain to the Earl of Pembroke's, at Wilton, where she arrived September 3rd."
The British Museum records show that in 1580 Ireland was in rebellion. A Spanish-Italian force of eight hundred men had been sent, with at least the connivance of Philip II. of Spain, to assist the rebels, and the English Government was compelled to hurry reinforcements and supplies to Ireland. These reinforcements and supplies went by way of Bristol, and it was at that juncture of affairs that a post was established between London, or Richmond, where the Court was, and Bristol. This post, if not actually the first, was certainly one of the earliest posts to Bristol.
At a meeting of the Privy Council held September 26, 1580, a warrant was issued "to Robert Gascoigne for laying of post horses between London and Bristol, requiring Her Majesty's officers to be assisting unto him in this service."A warrant was also issued "to Sir Thomas Heneage, Knight, Treasurer of her Majesty's Chamber, to pay unto Robert Gascoigne the sum of ten pounds to be employed about the service of laying post horses between London and Bristol."
The duty of laying this post was not entrusted to the Master of the Posts, Thomas Randolph, but to Gascoigne, the Postmaster of the Court, who usually arranged the posts rendered necessary by Queen Elizabeth's progresses through her dominions. Gascoigne afterwards furnished an account of what he had done to carry out the Order of the Privy Council, and from this document, which is preserved at the Record Office in London, it seems that the post travelled from Richmond, or London, to Hounslow, and thence to Maidenhead (16 miles), Newbury (21 miles), Marlborough (16 miles), Chippenham (22 miles), and thence to Bristol (20 miles). The cost of the post for a month of 28 days is stated to have been £14 9s.; but it does not appear if this amount is in addition to the £10 ordered to be paid to Gascoigne for laying the post; nor is there anything to show how often the post travelled, or for how long it was maintained; Gascoigne describes it as an "extraordinary" post. At that time the only ordinary posts were from London to Berwick, Holyhead, and Dover respectively. It is, perhaps, as well to add that these posts were the Queen's posts, and were only intended for the conveyance of persons travelling on her service or of packets sent on her business, though other persons used the posts for travelling and for sending letters.
Several complaints were made by Leonard Dutton and another against Robert Gascoigne, Postmaster of the Court, in respect of abuses connected with the posts thus laid down for Queen Elizabeth's use while on a "Progress." The complainants charged Gascoigne with neglect of duty, laying posts to suit his own convenience, delaying letters, making improper charges, and stopping something for himself out of money he should have paid in wages, etc. Among the papers relating to this affair is a copy of part of Gascoigne's account, of which the following is a transcript:—
THE OFFICE OF THE POSTE.
In the office of William Dodington, Esquire, Auditor of Her Matie. Impreste, in the bill of accompt for Her Matie poste among other things is contained the following:
"Robert Gascoigne's bill for the laying of the extraordinary post on Her Majesty's Progress.
"Bristoll.—Thomas Hoskins and a constable entered post at Bristol for serving x. days begun xiij. of August until the xxij. of the same month, half days included, at ij.s. per diem."xx.s.
"Mangotsfield.—Philip Alsop and John Alsop, post at Mangotsfield for serving v. days begun the xviij. of August and ended the xxij. of the same month, half days included, at ij.s. per diem."x.s.
"Chippenham.—John Barnby and Leonard Woodland entered post at Chippenham for serving x. days begun the xviij. August and ended the xxvij. of the same month, half days included at ij.s. per diem."xx.s.
"Marlborough.—Thomas Pike and Anthony Ditton entered post at Marlborough for servingxvij. days begun the xviij. August and ended the third day of September, half days included at ij.s. per diem."xxxiv.s."Exd. per meBarth. Dodington."
As to the Marlborough post, Anthony Ditton was Mayor of the town, as appears from a certificate by him (which is with the papers) that he only received from Gascoigne 15s. for the posts. Gascoigne claimed to have paid at Marlborough 34s. (see the transcript of his account), and if Ditton was entitled to half that sum Gascoigne pocketed 4s. (£19 15s. 4d.). This is the sort of thing Ditton charged him with doing. To these charges Gascoigne gave a denial, separately explaining each charge. His explanation was accepted, inasmuch as he was continued in office.