Paid stamps 2PP

London Posts — Twopenny Post — Paid Marks, undated

Pre-payment of postage did not become compulsory until 1852, in fact originally it was considered discourteous to prepay the postage. The collection of the postage on delivery was thought to ensure delivery. As a result, the majority of letters were sent unpaid, and consequently, there are fewer examples of the types of paid marks, compared with unpaid stamps.

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The first type of Receiving House stamps for the TWOPENNY POST, was this one, similar to the Penny Post stamp, and without a rim. They were in use only until replaced by the new design which came into use gradually from 1802 onwards. The Watling Street Receiving House was open until 1805, then closed until re-opening in 1840. Note: the other stamp is the datestamp of the Twopenny Post Chief office and the date has been inserted upside down.

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1)Paddington 2py P. Paid
This type of Receiving House stamp was introduced gradually from 1802 and was in use until 1836. Paddington was one of the Country area Receiving Houses which was also a sorting office, and one which had facilities for accepting prepayment of postage.
2) The stamp supplied to those offices had the word 'PAID' then a blank space where the appropriate amount was inserted. This example, though worn, can be read "9".
Note: the other stamps are
3)the Paddington datestamp JA 17 1825.
4) the oval transfer stamp 17 JA applied at the Westminster office of the Twopenny Post where the letter was transferred for delivery to the Inland Office, on whose behalf the prepaid postage was collected.
5)The PAID circular datestamp of the Inland post 17 JAN and
6) a partially struck G P P in red in a circle showing that the postage for the General Post had also been paid.
Finally, 7) the Inland post office marked the letter with '9' in red.

Contents of the letter
Apart from all these interesting postmarks, the letter itself is very easy to read. It is addressed to Messrs Wilkins & Kendall, Bourton on the Water Gloucestershire, from Mr C. Smith of Paddington.
Jany 17, 1825
Dear Sir
I have this day received a few lines from Mr Tuckwell respecting the late Mr. Merrick's Will stating that I wished you to file a Bill in Chancery against them for the recovery of the said legacy. I am happy to inform you that the business is most amicably settled and I expect shortly to be at Bourton where I hope I shall have an opportunity of seeing you and the other Party together respecting the business, therefore Honrd Sir, I will thank you to stop all proceedings against them.
I am Hond Sir
Your most Humble & obedt Servant
Charles Smith.

Copyright 2002 E. J. Shanahan

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London Posts — Twopenny Post — Paid Marks, undated
Pre-payment of postage did not become compulsory until 1852, in fact originally it was considered discourteous to prepay the postage. The collection of the postage on delivery was thought to ensure delivery. As a result, the majority of letters were sent unpaid, and consequently, there are fewer examples of the types of paid marks, compared with unpaid stamps.
click here for details	The first type of Receiving House stamps for the TWOPENNY POST, was this one, similar to the Penny Post stamp, and without a rim. They were in use only until replaced by the new design which came into use gradually from 1802 onwards. The Watling Street Receiving House was open until 1805, then closed until re-opening in 1840. Note: the other stamp is the datestamp of the Twopenny Post Chief office and the date has been inserted upside down.
click herefor details	1)Paddington 2py P. Paid This type of Receiving House stamp was introduced gradually from 1802 and was in use until 1836. Paddington was one of the Country area Receiving Houses which was also a sorting office, and one which had facilities for accepting prepayment of postage. 2) The stamp supplied to those offices had the word 'PAID' then a blank space where the appropriate amount was inserted. This example, though worn, can be read "9". Note: the other stamps are 3)the Paddington datestamp JA 17 1825. 4) the oval transfer stamp 17 JA applied at the Westminster office of the Twopenny Post where the letter was transferred for delivery to the Inland Office, on whose behalf the prepaid postage was collected. 5)The PAID circular datestamp of the Inland post 17 JAN and 6) a partially struck G P P in red in a circle showing that the postage for the General Post had also been paid. Finally, 7) the Inland post office marked the letter with '9' in red.
Contents of the letter Apart from all these interesting postmarks, the letter itself is very easy to read. It is addressed to Messrs Wilkins & Kendall, Bourton on the Water Gloucestershire, from Mr C. Smith of Paddington. Jany 17, 1825 Dear Sir I have this day received a few lines from Mr Tuckwell respecting the late Mr. Merrick's Will stating that I wished you to file a Bill in Chancery against them for the recovery of the said legacy. I am happy to inform you that the business is most amicably settled and I expect shortly to be at Bourton where I hope I shall have an opportunity of seeing you and the other Party together respecting the business, therefore Honrd Sir, I will thank you to stop all proceedings against them. I am Hond Sir Your most Humble & obedt Servant Charles Smith.
Copyright 2002 E. J. Shanahan By EARS Leisurewrite	Receiving House stamps part 2 Return To our intro Page Return To our Home Page