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

The People's Post: A Narrative History of the Post Office: Episode 14: The Post Code

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Factual: History

The Post Code

Episode 14

Episode 14: The Post Code

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

When a national post code system was introduced in the 1970s, it met with resistance.

Dominic Sandbrook on the national post code system brought in during the 1970s. From December 2011.

When a national post-code system was introduced in the 1970s it met with fierce resistance: from postal workers, concerned about the pace of change, and a general public incensed by "useless symbols". Intended to aid sorting mechanisation, today postcodes are used by geodemographic databases to classify households for the benefit of commerce, government services and political canvassing.

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. The Post Office has become a cherished social institution, linking people together and extending their vision outward into the wider world. 

It's called Royal Mail but it should be known as the People's Post

Writer and Presenter: Dominic Sandbrook

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

Historical Consultant: Iain Stevenson

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


Producer: Joby Waldman
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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

BBC Radio 4

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

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