Post modernity
Workers sort letters in the headquarters of the General Post Office in an 1809 illustration. Postal services have been seen as a sign of order and organisation
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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.