Letter Forwarding Agents of Great Britain handling Channel Islands letters - 1673 -1855.
by David Gurney FRPSL
A new book Published by the Stuart Rossiter Trust, now printed and available from the Trust. It will be of great interest to GB and Channel Island collectors and dealers.Introduction
Prior to the establishment of a regular packet service with the Channel Islands in 1794 letters, mainly commercial and some personal, had been frequently carried privately or handed to Agents, usually merchants or ship owners, in the Channel Islands, London or some of the south coast ports in England.
Letters handled by a forwarding agent were usually, but not always, marked or endorsed with the agent's name either in the form of a manuscript endorsement or by means of a handstamp. In addition the agent often added his additional charge to be recovered, usually from a ¼d in the early 18th Century to a 1d from the mid 18th Century.
This book has an alphabetical listing showing the name of each Agent recorded over many years in the provision of this service in the Channel Islands, in London, Southampton, Weymouth and other South Coast ports.
Closely connected with the maritime trade many were prominent local merchants and ship owners, some rising to hold high rank in Public Service in their respective cities and towns particularly in the 18th century. Many illustrations are shown of actual letters, some endorsements and other aspects.
140 Forwarding Agents are listed.
170 pages A5 Ring boundOnly £9.50 + post UK £2.25, Europe £3.00, RoW Airmail £4.50see The Stuart Rossiter Trust at rossitertrust.com for ordering details.
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