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Below is set out a description of some of the many postmarks that have been used in
Alcester
1. AULCESTER, double arcs at base, undated. Note old way of spelling
town’s name. In use from 22nd May,1829 to 17th May 1846
2. Obliteration numbers were issued in 1844, each provincial off ice in
England and Wales being allocated a separate number to id entify the office of origin. The
number for Alcester was 755, Stratford 754, Henley 756. The number was encased in
horizontal bars, four above and four below, with twin arcs at the sides, forming an oval
pattern.
3. Internal circle 5cm.diameter 15mm diameter, ALCESTER at top, two
broad arcs at sides, cross pattee at base; time, date, year in centre circle. In use early
1900s until middle 1920s.
4. Internal circle 171mm, ALCESTER on top, WARWICKSHIRE at base, two
smaller but broader arcs at sides. In use 1950s
5. Same as 4. except thin arcs at sides. In use 1950s
6. Current postmark, ALCESTER at top, WARWICKSHIRE at base; time, date,
year in centre
7. Receiving mark - ALCESTER at top, narrow arc at base; date, year in
centre, no time. In use from mid 1840s. Generally ranked on back of letter.
8. Machine die for bulk posting; seven wavy lines with a band of seven
arcs in the centre together with the normal current Alcester postmark. The centre arcs
could be removed to be re placed by ‘PAID’ mark or cost of postage.....
Railway Sub-Office
9. ALCESTER at top,S.O. at base; letters widely spaced; time, date and
year in centre, In use 1907
10. ALCESTER S.0. WARWICKSHIRE at base;
time, date and year in centre. The letters are very close. In use 1913
Note: All the above except 2. and 8. have a
circular ring 1” in diameter.
Rubber date stamps were issued to the following village
post offices which came under Alcester Post Office. These were inscribed:
GREAT ALNE issued 16.6.1886
GREAT ALNE ALCESTER R.S.0. WARWICKSHIRE issued 4.7.1904
HASELOR ALCESTER WARWICKSHIRE - no date of issue
DUNNINGTON ALCESTER S.0. WARWICKSHIRE issued 16.6.1908
DUNNINGTON ALCESTER WARWICKSHIRE issued 2.4,1919
ARDENS GRAFTON ALCESTER - no date
ASTON CANTLOW issued 16.6.86
Additional Reading
Postmark History of Alcester and District ('Local
Past' Series 1993)
© John Donaldson 1988 - Alcester & District Local History Society