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In the earliest days of the development of the postal service, post offices were
usually housed at inns. The only duties of the postmaster-cum-innkeeper were the
acceptance and handing over of letters, the exchange of post-bags and the provision of
fresh hor ses for the post boys to ride and carry the mail over the main roads and byways.
There can be little doubt that in Alcester the ‘Swan’, the ‘Angel’ and
the ‘Globe’ fulfilled this role. To avoid misapprehension the terms 'post
chaise' and ’post coach’ have no connection with the Post Office.
In 1784 John Palmer, actor manager of Bath, planned a national system of mail coaches.
This was eventually approved and it became a byword for safety and reliability, continuing
for about 70 years. in remote areas of England two-wheeled pony or donkey carts, mainly
open, were used, whilst large gig-type vehicles and four-wheelers were frequently used for
local collections in large towns.
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