Matt Elton: We’re talking today about a story that’s made headlines again in recent months: the Post Office scandal, which has led to the wrongful prosecution of hundreds of subpostmasters since 1999 and damaged the reputation of a key institution in British society. But what’s the longer history of the Post Office that will help us understand how it came to play such a significant role?
Hannah Skoda: I’ve been reflecting on how crucial the Post Office and postal systems have been, and remain, to the smooth running of state. They’re essential to political community, commerce and foreign relations.
The history of the Post Office in Britain really begins in 1660. It
