Page 2 - Postal History of Edinburgh & Leith
P. 2
THE POSTAL HISTORY OF SCOTLAND
EDINBURGH
In 1765 the setting up of Local Penny Posts in the neighbourhood of Post Towns was approved
by an Act of British Parliament.
Edinburgh set up Private Posts in 1773.
These ceased in 1793 when the Authorities opened an Official Penny Post.
The Official Penny Post had the Head Office, four City Receiving Houses and four District Offices.
Over the years many additional offices were opened.
The introduction of Uniform Penny Post on 1Oth January 1840 saw the
cessation of all Urban and District Penny Posts.
This exhibit illustrates the growth of the Official Edinburgh and District Penny Post from its inception
through to the opening of new City, District and Outbounds Offices. The various types of Penny Post and
related handstamps used are shown, including those unique to this Post.
Early postcard showing the view from the Castle over the New Town.
It was in the New Town that the majority of Penny Post Receiving Houses
were to be opened in the years 1800 to 1839.
Bibliography;
Postal Markings of Scotland to 1840
Edinburgh & Leith and the Edinburgh District Offices
Update of the 2"d Edition - Edited by Stephen Parkin 2014.
Various works by James Mackay
