Southern mail

The Southern Mail! That's a fascinating topic.

The Southern Mail was a British mail coach that operated from 1784 to 1846, connecting London to the southern parts of England, including the West Country, Wales, and the Channel Islands. It was one of the most famous and iconic mail coaches in British history.

Here are some interesting facts about the Southern Mail:

  1. Route: The Southern Mail followed a route from London's General Post Office to Plymouth, Exeter, and Bristol, covering a distance of around 200 miles (320 km).
  2. Frequency: The coach ran daily, except on Sundays, and took around 24-30 hours to complete the journey, depending on the weather and road conditions.
  3. Speed: The Southern Mail was known for its speed, with some reports suggesting it could reach speeds of up to 10-12 mph (16-19 km/h), which was impressive for the time.
  4. Coaches: The mail coaches were sturdy, four-wheeled vehicles with a high roof and a large boot for carrying mailbags. They were drawn by four to six horses, depending on the terrain.
  5. Mailbags: The mailbags were made of leather and were secured to the coach with iron straps. They contained letters, packages, and even small parcels.
  6. Postmasters: The Southern Mail was managed by the General Post Office, with postmasters responsible for overseeing the coaches, horses, and drivers.
  7. Famous passengers: The Southern Mail carried many notable passengers, including writers, artists, and politicians. One famous passenger was the poet William Wordsworth, who traveled on the coach in 1802.
  8. Decline: The Southern Mail's popularity declined with the introduction of the railways in the mid-19th century. The last Southern Mail coach ran in 1846, marking the end of an era.

The Southern Mail played a significant role in connecting the southern parts of England and facilitating communication during a time when the postal service was still developing. Its legacy lives on as a fascinating piece of British history.