The King's Post: Being a volume of historical facts relating to the posts, mail coaches, coach roads, and railway mail services of and connected with the ancient city of Bristol from 1580 to the present time

"The King's Post" by Robert Charles Tombs is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The book explores the evolution of postal services in Bristol from 1580 to modern times, detailing the development of mail coaches, post offices, and related infrastructure. Through its examination of this rich history, the work likely reveals the significance of communication in the growth and connectivity of Bristol as an important urban center. At the start of the volume, Tombs sets the stage for exploring the early postal system in Bristol, highlighting its challenges and the figures involved, such as foot postmen and the first appointed postmasters. The opening recounts specific historical incidents that illustrate the difficulties of long-distance communication in the past, such as the payment records for postmen and the establishment of infrastructure like wooden posts for guidance. Additionally, Tombs hints at the administration of postal services and the remarkable adaptations made during the evolving political landscape, particularly during the English Civil War. This detailed introduction serves as a prelude to a broader narrative that will trace the history and significance of Bristol's postal services throughout the centuries.