Home > Religious Art > Religious Architecture > Churches and Cathedrals
Mail coach on the Bath to London run, c1840
Only Available in the UK and Ireland
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Heritage Images
Mail coach on the Bath to London run, c1840
Mail coach on the Bath to London run, c1840. The Mail Guard leans out from the coach to collect mail from the Postmaster (right in nightcap) without stopping. The improvement in the road network in the mid 18th century led to the introduction of the mail coach in 1784, providing a combined passenger and mail delivery service. Mail coaches bore a distinctive livery of maroon doors and lower panels, black upper panels and Post Office red wheels. The names of the towns at either end of the journey were painted on the doors. Mail was stowed both in the foreboot beneath the coachmans feet, and in the rear compartment. The coach carried four passengers inside, and four more on top behind the driver. Fares were paid to innkeepers at coaching inns along the route. As well as the driver, mail coaches carried an armed Mail Guard to protect the mail from highwaymen
Heritage Images features heritage image collections
Media ID 14836184
© Ann Ronan Picture Library / Heritage-Images
Mail Mail Bag Mail Coach Passenger Passengers Post Postmaster Stagecoach Traveller Ann Ronan Pictures Aquatint Horse Drawn Vehicle
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Animals
> Farm
> Horses
> Related Images
> Animals
> Mammals
> Horse
> Related Images
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Related Images
> Religious Art
> Religious Architecture
> Churches and Cathedrals
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures a moment in history when the mail coach was an essential mode of transport on the Bath to London run in the mid-19th century. The image showcases the efficiency and speed of this combined passenger and mail delivery service, as the Mail Guard leans out from the coach to collect mail from the Postmaster without stopping. The improved road network during this time paved the way for innovations like the mail coach, which boasted a distinctive livery with maroon doors, black upper panels, and Post Office red wheels. The names of towns at either end of the journey were proudly displayed on its doors. Inside, four passengers could comfortably travel alongside their precious cargo while four more sat atop behind the driver. Fares were paid to innkeepers at coaching inns along the route, ensuring a seamless journey for both passengers and post. To protect against highwaymen seeking to intercept valuable mail, an armed Mail Guard accompanied each coach. This added layer of security ensured that important correspondence reached its destination safely. This remarkable aquatint print not only showcases a significant advancement in transportation but also provides us with a glimpse into daily life during this era. It is a testament to human ingenuity and progress as well as our ongoing commitment to efficient communication systems.
MADE IN THE UK
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Basket.
