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 LW

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

The People's Post: A Narrative History of the Post Office: Episode 11: The Telegraph

Documentaries

Factual: History

The Telegraph

Episode 11

Episode 11: The Telegraph

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

In 1870, the telegraph system came under the control of the post office.

Dominic Sandbrook investigates how the post office has shaped British society - 1870 and the telegraph system. From December 2011.

In 1870 the telegraph system came under the control of the post office, in the first ever instance of the government nationalising a commercial industry. The aim was to provide an extended and more efficient network, to serve the public and make a profit. 

In the late nineteenth century the Post Office became a key instrument of the State.

Providing a national telegraph service, as censor and channel in the first world war, as a model employer in the 1930s and pioneer in communications technology for much of the twentieth century. The last four decades have seen the State pulling away from Royal Mail leaving it's future very much uncertain.


Writer and Presenter: Dominic Sandbrook

Historical Consultant: Iain Stevenson

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 11: The Telegraph

Genres

Formats

Series

BBC Radio 4 LW

About BBC Radio 4