Women's Life During the Victorian Age ~ The Mail System
By celticeagle
@celticeagle (184284)
Boise, Idaho
January 9, 2026 5:37pm CST
In Victorian England (1867- 1901) the mail was delivered 12 times a day. People communicated much like we email or text nowadays. In about 1889 mail began at 7:30a. and continued until 7:30p. each day. People could make appointments, set up social events, transact banking, set up secret meetings, and even order clothes, jewelry or groceries. They could get responses back in the same day. A letter weighing 1/2 an ounce cost one cent. Legislation had developed a flat fee, and the first adhesive stamp came during this time. The clause in the 1873 Postal Laws and Regulations read that they would deliver "as frequently as the public convenience may require."
In New York City twice daily mail ended in the 1990s.
7 people like this
5 responses
@Nakitakona (59167)
• Philippines
10 Jan
In ancient times, messages delvered via a runner or a crier. We call it Umalohokan which "refers to the pre-colonial Philippine town criers, individuals appointed by the Datu (chieftain) to publicly announce laws, news, and community matters by going around the barangay (village) on foot."
1 person likes this
@celticeagle (184284)
• Boise, Idaho
11h
How interesting. Thanks for sharing that bit of information.
1 person likes this
@kaylachan (81812)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
10 Jan
When I read that, it made me think of the various trucks that drove by our house today. We actually saw Fedex twice. Nothing for us, though. If I'm being honest, I like e-mail and texting and am glad they exist. If such advances hadn't developed as they had, I wouldn't be able to communicate with anyone.
1 person likes this
@celticeagle (184284)
• Boise, Idaho
11h
It is nice to have options available for reasons just like this.
1 person likes this
@kaylachan (81812)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
11h
@celticeagle The sad thing, the U.S. mail says it's technocally illigal to deliver the letter yourself. It could be considered tampering.
@celticeagle (184284)
• Boise, Idaho
11h
Yes, they did. I covered those in the purse one I will post soon.
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (210384)
• United States
21h
Amazing. Now you're lucky if you can get a letter across the street in less than 3 days.
1 person likes this
