Chronicle

Postal Service

For centuries, private messages had to be carried manually by people, usually servants on foot or horseback, risking bad weather and attacks from bandits and thieves. In 1635, King Charles I allowed the Royal post riders to carry messages other than ones for government business. Up until 1872 the mail was carried on foot from Cardiff to Caerphilly and back again in all sorts of weathers. In the Cardiff times, July 1867, it was stated; “This place (Caerphilly) within the last few years, has greatly increased in its population. The mail bag is conveyed by from Cardiff to this place by messenger, who is to be seen, day by day, and week by week, treading it on foot, with his burden lumbering on his back, which is well filled.” This article went on to say that as this postman had served the community of Caerphilly for many winters, the people of the locality should subscribe towards a fund to obtain a pony for him, so he could ride to and from Cardiff. The distance from Caerphilly to Cardiff is seven miles, and it must have been a most unpleasant journey over Caerphilly Mountain in winter.

A more direct railway link to Cardiff was opened in 1871. The Cardiff Times stated; “At present, the time of delivery of letters in Caerphilly has been greatly neglected, the delivery each day being between 9.30 and 10.30 a.m. An alternative will shortly take place, the government having made arrangements with the Rhymney Railway Company for carrying the mail bag with the 6 o’clock train leaving Cardiff.”

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