Royal mail packets

A blast from the past! Royal Mail packets were a type of postal service provided by the Royal Mail, the postal service of the United Kingdom, from the 17th century until the mid-20th century.

Royal Mail packets were a way for individuals and businesses to send mail and packages across the seas, particularly to and from the British colonies. The service was established in 1635, and it played a crucial role in facilitating communication and trade between the UK and its colonies.

Here are some interesting facts about Royal Mail packets:

  1. Packet ships: Royal Mail packets were carried on specially designed ships, known as packet ships, which were fast and reliable vessels that sailed regularly between the UK and its colonies.
  2. Scheduled sailings: The packet ships followed a regular schedule, with departures and arrivals at specific ports. This ensured that mail and packages were delivered promptly and efficiently.
  3. Security: Royal Mail packets were considered a secure way to send valuable items, such as gold, silver, and other precious commodities. The packets were often escorted by naval vessels to prevent piracy and theft.
  4. Mail and packages: Royal Mail packets carried a wide range of items, including letters, packages, and even small animals. The packets were often used to transport goods, such as textiles, spices, and other commodities, between the UK and its colonies.
  5. Famous passengers: Some notable individuals, including explorers, scientists, and politicians, traveled on Royal Mail packets. For example, Captain James Cook, the famous British explorer, sailed on a Royal Mail packet to Australia in 1770.
  6. Decline: The Royal Mail packet service declined in the mid-20th century, as air travel and modern shipping methods became more prevalent. The last Royal Mail packet ship, the RMS Queen Elizabeth, made its final voyage in 1968.

Today, the Royal Mail still operates a postal service, but it no longer uses packet ships. However, the legacy of the Royal Mail packet service continues to be celebrated, and many museums and historical societies in the UK and around the world preserve artifacts and records related to this important chapter in maritime history.