The Birth of the Modern British Post
The Mythical Penny Black
A penny's worth of pity
This letter was sent on May 5, 1840, the day before the Penny Black became valid for postage, meaning that more than a penny was paid to send it. The author makes reference to this strategic mailing date and expresses her amusement at the symbol chosen for the stamp, Queen Victoria's profile:
"To make you stare I send you a Queen's Head the Day before it is in Penny circulation. Tomorrow it will be obliterated by a Post Office stamp. What a Pity that they should make Victoria Gummy like an old woman without teeth as I am!"
