About the SPH

The Society of Postal Historians was formed in 1951 and is an association of active postal historians engaging in original study and the exchange of information with like-minded collectors. 

Associate membership is by invitation only with election to member and fellow at the invitation of the Executive Committee.

The first edition of its journal was published in April 1951, entitled ‘A Postscript to the Postal Historian,’ comprising 13 pages and edited by Dr. J.L. Gumbridge, OBE. It contained minutes of the Society’s first AGM, notices about recent and future meetings, various articles, a printed list of the objects, regulations and rules of the society along with the following definition of a postal historian.

‘A postal historian is primarily a student and a collector of knowledge of the historical and functional side

of the many facets of the postal service in any country’

Today the Society continues to thrive with a maximum membership of 60 associates, 60 members and 60 fellows. Regular daytime meetings are held across the country together with two weekend conferences held in the Spring and Autumn.

The President’s Chain of Office.

The reverse is not usually seen when it is being worn and some members may not even realise it is inscribed!