BBC Radio 4

BBC Radio 4 is a radio channel that started transmitting on the 30th September 1967. It replaced BBC Home Service.

Radio 4

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

BBC Radio 4 FM

Radio 4 (FM)

The People's Post: A Narrative History of the Post Office

The People's Post: A Narrative History of the Post Office: Episode 4: The Mail Coach

Documentaries

Factual: History

The Mail Coach

Episode 4

Episode 4: The Mail Coach

BBC Radio 4 Extra - The People's Post: A Narrative History of the Post Office, The Mail Coach

Introduced in 1784, the mail coach slashed journey times by two thirds.

Introduced in 1784, the mail coach slashed journey times by two thirds, and allowed newspapers to reach the provinces within 24 hours.

Introduced in 1784 the mail coach slashed journey times by two thirds, provided a new state of the art form of public transport, and allowed newspapers to reach the provinces within 24 hours. The time-pieces carried by guards also had the unintended consequence of creating standard UK time in the era before GMT.

As Royal Mail faces an uncertain future, Dominic Sandbrook charts the development of the post office and examines its impact on literacy, free speech, commerce and communication.

Writer and Presenter: Dominic Sandbrook

Historical Consultant: Susan Whyman

Musicians: Sam Lee, Bella Hardy, Mick Sands, Nick Hart

Actors:Morgan George, John Sessions, Simon Tcherniak, 
Malcolm Tierney, Jane Whittenshaw


Producer: Joby Waldman
A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4.

BBC Radio 4 Extra

Your digital radio entertainment station showcasing the best in comedy and drama

Your digital radio entertainment station showcasing the best in comedy and drama. With recent favourites from BBC Radio 4.

Dominic Sandbrook charts the development of the post office

As Royal Mail faces an uncertain future, Dominic Sandbrook charts the development of the post office and examines its impact on literacy, free speech, commerce and communication

Accessibility links

Programme Index

The People's Post: A Narrative History of the Post Office

Episode 4: The Mail Coach

Genres

Formats

Series

BBC Radio 4 FM

About BBC Radio 4