Highlights

Postcards

Explore the history of design in the postal service, from posters, uniforms, letterboxes and maps to iconic designs like the Penny Black and Machin stamp.

Philatelic collection

Our postal history includes British stamps from 1840 and the world-renowned RM Phillips Collection of British Victorian stamps.

Design & icons

Explore the history of design in the postal service, from posters, uniforms, letterboxes and maps to iconic designs like the Penny Black and Machin stamp.

Land, air & sea

From horse-drawn coaches to airmail, explore stories from our collections about methods used to transport the mail.

Post Office animals

Explore the roles of different animals in the postal service, meet Tibs the Great and delve into the furry world of Post Office cats…

Postal services

Explore the history of postal services, including changes to postage rates over the years, post offices, new machines, the origins of modern postcodes and more…

Wartime

The collection includes objects and documents showing the integral role of the postal service and its employees during wartime.

People

Read stories from the collection about the variety of roles in the postal service, the changing roles of women and notable individuals in postal history.

Notable events

Read about some of the notable stories from our collection.

Posters

Explore our collection of over 6,000 posters, as well as original poster artwork.

Postal uniforms

The postman's uniform is one of the most easily recognised uniforms worn in the UK - a real symbol.

We Collect

Submit items to help us document how communities in the UK use the post to celebrate and stay connected. We have a range of projects to get involved in.