Royal mail cancel postage

A fascinating topic!

Royal Mail, the UK's postal service, has a system in place to cancel postage stamps. Here's how it works:

What is postage cancellation?

Postage cancellation is the process of marking a postage stamp with a cancellation mark, which indicates that the stamp has been used to pay for postage. This mark is usually applied by a postal clerk or a machine at a post office.

Why is postage cancellation necessary?

Postage cancellation serves several purposes:

  1. Prevents reuse: Cancellation prevents the same stamp from being reused, ensuring that each stamp is used only once.
  2. Verifies postage: Cancellation confirms that the stamp has been used to pay for postage, providing proof of payment.
  3. Helps track mail: Cancellation marks can be used to track the movement of mail and identify the post office where it was sent.

How is postage cancellation done?

There are two main methods of postage cancellation:

  1. Hand cancellation: A postal clerk applies a cancellation mark to the stamp using a special tool or a rubber stamp.
  2. Machine cancellation: A machine applies a cancellation mark to the stamp using a roller or a stamp.

Types of cancellation marks

Royal Mail uses various cancellation marks, including:

  1. Postmark: A cancellation mark that includes the date, post office, and sometimes the town or city.
  2. Machine cancellation: A cancellation mark applied by a machine, often featuring a geometric pattern or a logo.
  3. Special cancellations: Unique cancellation marks used for special events, such as commemorative stamps or charity appeals.

Interesting facts

I hope this information helps you understand the process of postage cancellation in the UK!