Alleyns mail
You're referring to Alleyne's Mail, a medieval English postal system!
Alleyne's Mail was a system of horse-mounted postal riders, also known as "couriers," who carried messages and packages between towns and cities in England during the 12th to 15th centuries. The system was established by the Crown, with the primary purpose of facilitating communication between the monarch, nobles, and government officials.
Here are some interesting facts about Alleyne's Mail:
- Organization: The postal system was organized into a network of routes, with each route covering a specific distance. Riders would travel along these routes, carrying messages and packages.
- Riders: The couriers were typically skilled horsemen, often veterans of the military or experienced travelers. They were responsible for delivering messages and packages quickly and efficiently.
- Speed: Alleyne's Mail was remarkable for its speed, with messages traveling up to 60 miles (97 km) per day. This was impressive considering the terrain and road conditions of the time.
- Security: The system was designed to ensure the security of messages and packages. Riders were instructed to avoid danger and take precautions to protect their cargo.
- Cost: The cost of using Alleyne's Mail varied depending on the distance and urgency of the message. The system was primarily used for official government business, but it was also available for private use by individuals who could afford it.
- Decline: As the centuries passed, Alleyne's Mail gradually declined in importance, replaced by newer forms of communication like the printing press and the telegraph.
While Alleyne's Mail is no longer in operation, its legacy can be seen in the modern postal systems that have evolved over time.