Inventor of parcel post remembered in print

HENRY Fawcett's statue stands proud in Salisbury's Market Square, and while many passers by stop and gaze, few actually take in why he is there.

Born above a drapers shop in Blue Boar Row, into a politically active family, Henry Fawcett rose through the Liberal ranks to become Postmaster General in Gladstone's second administration from 1880 -1885, introducing a number of new schemes, including the parcel post in 1883.

Sarum USA study group has compiled this booklet on the history of Salisbury's postal services inciud'ng a study of pillar-boxes. There are still several pillar-boxes dating from the 19th century standing in Salisbury, for example the ones on the corner of Manor Road, Attwood Road and Greencroft Street.

Local historians are sure to find this booklet of interest, which does not profess to be definitive.

Closer inspection of Henry Fawcett's statue reveals that his eyes are closed. He was blinded while pheasant shooting with his father on Harnham Hill in 1858 and another of his legacies was the introduction of the 'Fawcett disc'. These were engraved discs to aid blind people 'feel' the time of the next collection which sadly have now been removed from collection boxes.

Anne Morris

(The booklet is available from Mrs P Mullins. 3 Clarence Court, Greencroft Street, Salisbury. SP1 1UL, £3 to include postage and packing).