The position of Sub-Postmaster was a very important position. John Smith MP for Norwich was asked to recommend a Sub-Postmaster for Bures. He wrote to the supervisor of the Inland Revenue at Sudbury looking for a suitable person. Mr Robert Goody was suggested, but as he had political interests he was excluded. Postmasters were no allowed to vote or hold political views.
His son George was subsequently nominated and his name was put forward to the "Lords of the Treasury" for approval. He was appointed at the age of 18 on the 12th September 1837.

Typical postal rates in those days were:-
Letter to Liverpool 1/-, to London 9d, to Ipswich 9d, to Colchester 8d,. Envelopes were not in use so letters were wrapped and sealed with wax. Only one sheet of paper being allowed, up to A4 size. If a second sheet was attached it was charged at double postage.
The introduction of the Penny Post later simplified all of this for letters. The 1/2d was used for printed matter such as newspapers.
George Goody was given a large reception in the village after serving 50 years as Sub-Postmaster. Drum and Fife band together with a firework display were part of the celebrations.

The 1851 Census lists a "Charlotte Deal" aged 15 lodging in The Street as a "letter carrier"

These three images were supplied by Michael A Cooper.
The press cutting relates to my Great Grandfather, George Eves,who was a postman in Bures in the 19th century.
He received a Kings award from the Royal Mail for services.

George Eves - Village Postman is also my Gt Grandfather and I have copies of the photographs and press cuttings published. I can confirm that George retired 13 November 1908 and notice of his Imperial Service Award was published in the London Gazette 8th January 1909, I believe the Award ceremony took place in the March. I have a copy of George's full service history obtained from the Post Office Archives over 20 years ago, best of all I now have Imperial Service Medal which I hope will now remain within the Eves family.

Carol Mennell, York 2011

Note:- as Mr Steed was the Postmaster at the time, we can date this picture between 1889 to 1911

1911 to 1922 Elizabeth Steed -
PO and stationer
This closed in 1922

Mrs Steed retired aged 72 years, after serving as Sub-Postmaster for 11 years, previous to that she was a Clerical assistant in the Post Office for 40 years, a total time of 51 years. She was assistant to George Goody her uncle who held the position for 52 yrs.
Mr Harry Steed her husband followed Mr Goody and held the post for 22 years. Mrs Steed took over after her husbands death.
The Sub-Postmastership being held by the same family for 85 years.
When she commenced work there were no Postal orders, no parcel post, no telephone, no licenses, and boys delivered the letters.
The salary was £13.00 per year and the office hours were eight until eight.
Mrs Steeds official retirement was held at West Mersea Post Office together with loads of Post Office dignitaries.