Inland Letters: 1952 - 1957

2½d basic Inland Letter rate: start of reign - 30th September 1957 

The 2½d basic Inland Letter rate was first introduced on 1st May 1940 during the reign of George VI. This rate paid for letters weighing up to 2oz (just over 56 grams). 

Heavier letters were subject to an extra charge for each additional 2oz or part thereof (see table at foot of post). However many letters posted in this period were eligible for the basic rate including the pictorial letter card below. At 12 grams it fell well under the weight threshold.

It is franked by a 2½d 'Wilding' definitive stamp first issued on 5th December 1952. Along with the 1½d value this was the first British postage stamp to feature a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II. The postmark advertises the 4d 'All-up' Letter Rate to Europe.  

2½d Inland Letter from Blackpool to Hull - 25th June 1954

The Post Office sold a range of postal stationery items including those which pre-paid the basic Inland Letter rate. Stocks of stationery featuring a portrait of George VI continued to be sold in the early years of the Queen's reign of which this letter card is an example.

2½d Inland Letter from Ripon to Bradford - 10th May 1955

Another popular form of postal stationery was the pre-paid envelope. This example is impressed with an embossed stamp featuring the head of Elizabeth II.

2½d Inland Letter from Hereford to Bridgnorth - 1st August 1956

Our final letter has a Post Office cachet indicating that delivery had been delayed. The letter was incorrectly posted in a special post box meant for mail being sent to a 'London' address. An easy mistake to make especially as this letter was going to Sutton which is only 10 miles or so from Central London!

2½d Inland Letter from London to Sutton - 15th March 1954

As mentioned the basic rate paid for letters weighing up to 2oz. This table shows the charge for each additional 2oz or part thereof. 

Date from:	Rate up to 2oz	Rate up to 4oz	Extra Steps above 4oz
1st May 1940	2½d	3d	½d per 2oz or part
1st May 1952	2½d	3d	1d per 2oz or part
1st January 1956	2½d	4d	1½d per 2oz or part

We see that whilst the basic rate did not change from 1st May 1940 to 30th September 1957, charges for extra weight steps were revised twice during this period.