How the Post Office shaped power in a turbulent era
In this detailed study, discover how 17th‑century letters and packet boats became tools of influence, policy, and survival for England’s rulers and merchants. The book traces the rise and fall of key figures, the shifting control of the Foreign and Inland Posts, and the struggles that kept letters moving across a divided nation.
- Meet the early postmasters, secretaries, and political players who fought for control of the office and its profits.
- See how sequestration, lawsuits, and royal favor redirected a nation’s mail system.
- Learn how innovations, rival schemes, and wartime pressures changed how letters traveled—from ports to inland routes.
- Understand the human side of the Post Office, including its administration, debts, and the officers who kept the letters flowing.
Ideal for readers of Restoration politics, postal history, and governance during times of upheaval.