Post Office people

Our collection depicts not only the objects used in the postal service but also the people who work for the postal service. The GPO used to be the largest employer in the country. Even today Royal Mail Group Limited employs more than 200,000 people. People are what made the postal service what it is today. Their stories, from postmen to managing directors, are a very important part of the BPMA’s collection.

Our collections tell these stories in a number of different ways. You can also learn about Post Office people through the objects associated with them.

The General Post Office was revolutionary in its reforms and inventions and many great names are associated with it. Names like Rowland Hill and Anthony Trollope for instance. The stories the collection depicts include acts of heroism leading to the awarding of a Victoria Cross to a Post Office employee. They also, however, tell the story of a normal day of a postman doing his rounds.

In our collection...

Individuals
Our collection contains many objects relating to key individuals in the Post Office over the years.
See examples of our objects associated with individuals...

Military medals
The BPMA holds a number of military medals that were won by the Post Office Rifles. We are particularly proud to hold the Victoria Cross won by Sergeant Alfred Knight for his bravery on the Somme in 1916.
See examples of our military medals...

Trophies & Awards
Our trophies & awards reflect the diversity of life working for the Post Office with its numerous clubs and societies. We hold trophies, for example, for most activities including art, horticulture and sport.
See examples of our trophies and awards...

Access

The best way to see most of this material is to make an appointment to view it at Freeling House. The catalogue of trophies and awards can be searched in our Online catalogue. You can make an appointment by emailing info@postalheritage.org.uk or by telephone on 020 7239 2570.

Please quote the accession number of the image you would like to see. At present the medals of Sergeant Knight (including the Victoria Cross) are on display in the Search Room. See the Visiting section for information on how to find us.