Understanding the Evolution of London’s Postal Districts: From 1856 to Present
The history of London’s postal districts is a fascinating journey that reveals much about the city’s growth, administrative decisions, and postal service innovations over the years. While many are familiar with the current postcode system, fewer are aware of the original structure established in the mid-19th century and how it has evolved.
The Origins of London’s Postal Districts
In 1856, Sir Rowland Hill, renowned for pioneering the Penny Post, laid the foundation for London’s postal geography. At that time, the postal district was conceived as a roughly 12-mile radius circle centered around the General Post Office (GPO) in St. Martin’s-le-Grand. This initial setup was both logical and efficient, dividing London into compass sectors—North (N), Northeast (NE), East (E), Southeast (SE), South (S), Southwest (SW), West (W), and Northwest (NW)—with additional central divisions labeled EC (East Central) and WC (West Central).
Importantly, this radius encompassed areas that are widely considered part of London today, including Enfield, Dagenham, Bromley, Croydon, Richmond, and Barnet. While some “postcode purists” argue these regions lie outside London’s traditional boundaries, they were definitely within the original postal circle, making them an integral part of early London postal services.
Modifications in the 1860s
By the 1860s, the postal district system was subject to modifications. Notably, Anthony Trollope, the famous novelist and postal reformer, proposed changes that led to the elimination of the NE and S districts. This adjustment indicated an evolving understanding of the city’s layout and the needs of postal delivery.
The 1917 Reorganization and Shrinking Boundaries
A significant transformation occurred around 1917, with the introduction of the numbered postal districts—such as N1, SW3, and W11. Maps from this period reveal that the postal district had contracted considerably from the original 12-mile radius. Entire regions that once fell within the expansive circle—parts of Middlesex, Essex, Surrey, and Kent—were no longer included.
This contraction suggests a major redefinition of London’s postal boundaries, but the precise details surrounding this change remain obscure. Historical records do not clearly specify when, who authorized it, or why the boundaries were shortened. A brief note on Wikipedia mentions that “the London postal district