The Last Post

Original version

BBC Radio 4 Extra

BBC Radio 7

Documentaries

Factual

BBC Radio 4 Extra - The Last Post

Pigeon Post has been around forever. Can it survive in the modern world?

Since ancient Egyptian times, Pigeon Post carried messages of love and war. Can it survive the internet? With Tim Pigott-Smith.

Since it first crossed the deserts of ancient Egypt, the Pigeon Post has been used to carry our messages of love and war. 

In India there is one remaining service, defying cyclones and floods to deliver urgent police messages. 

But, is the Pigeon Post is now under threat from emails and instant communication. Will it survive?

Featuring: 
 
Dr Jean Hansell, author of ‘The Pigeon in History’
David Matthews, Senior Lecturer in Urdu at the University of London
Officers of the Orissa State Police
Members of the Orissa Philately Association

Reader: Tim Pigott-Smith

Producer: Mark Rickards

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2003.

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.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

The Last Post

Genres

Formats

BBC Radio 4 Extra

About BBC Radio 4 Extra