One Page GB Postmarks 1840-1901
From Stamps of the World
A look at the Postmark development of the Victorian Era
Postmarks where first used by Henry Bishop in 1661 to date cancel letters, as the postage system developed so did postal marks. When the Penny Black and Two Penny Blue were issued in 1840 it was all about cancelling the stamp to stop its re-use. This led to the development of postmarks as we know them today.
![]() The Maltese Cross was the first postage stamp cancelling handstamp. 1840 GB 1d Black. The Ink used initially was red. See Also: Maltese Cross Numeral Crosses of London |
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![]() Numbering of cancels told the Postmaster the Clerk or Time Period of when the letter was cancelled. 1841 1d Red with ANumeral Cross of London 6 in centre used in the London Chief Office. |
![]() The London Offices got so big and busy they had to open up more offices to cope with the demand. In 1844 The London Two Penny Post became the London District Post. In doing so it created 50 new District Post Offices in London Boroughs. The Chief office and The Districts needed to be able to know where the letters came from so each got a number in Circle Handstamp. 1844 1d Red cancelled at the Chief Office on Letters for delivery within London. |