Introduction
Links to documents that can be downloaded (page counts and approximate file sizes are given), and which provide information of use to GB collectors – some provided by our members, some classic or historical texts from other sources such as Google Books. In addition, the publications of certain former GB-related societies are archived here by agreement. Most files are redistributable on a non-commercial basis (those downloadable by GBPS members only are marked , although the listings and indexes are generally freely available).
This section is for downloads of historical and philatelic works – many additional documents are available for download in the Sources section, which contains the texts of primary source material.
Suggestions for additional downloads are very welcome – please email with the details.
Commercial Magazines
Archives of back issues of commercial publications, used with permission.
British Philatelist | Published by Chas. Nissen & Co. from 1908 to 1954 in 44 volumes, this covered a very wide range of different aspects of British philately. Link |
Philatelic Review | Published by Candlish McCleery Ltd. from 1977 to 1982 in 21 issues, this covered British philately with an emphasis on the reign of King George V. Link |
British Philatelic Bulletin |
An official monthly publication of the Royal Mail aimed at stamp collectors, supplying detailed information about forthcoming British stamp issues, together with a range of articles about earlier issues from philatelists. Link |
Society Journals
Archiove of back issues of journals of GB-related societies, used with permission.
GBCC Chronicle | The journal of the (US) Great Britain Collectors Club from 1979 to 2019. Link |
Cross Post | The journal of the Friends of the National Postal Museum from 1985 to 2017. Link |
LPHG Notebook | The journal of the London Postal History Group from 1971 to 2009. Link |
Other Society Collections
Publications of GB-related societies.
LPHG Publications | Books and original papers produced by the London Postal History Group. Link |
Philatelic Studies
Works specifically from a philatelic rather than a historical point of view.
Postage Stamps | Works (general or specific) on British postage stamps. Link |
Postal Markings | Works (general or specific) on British postmarks. Link |
Postal History | General postal history subjects other than pure postmark studies. Link |
Stanton Booklet Cards | The notes of the pioneer collector of GB booklets. Link |
Miscellaneous | Other GB "back of the book" or Cinderella topics. Link |
Historical Works
A selection of historical works with a postal connection.
General Historical Works | Historical works with a postal connection, including several classic early histories. Also includes biographies and contemporary reports on the Post Office. Link |
General Directories | Published volumes giving postal information, mileages of main roads etc (very helpful for working out pre-1840 mileage-based rates). Link |
Maps | Maps of Great Britain and Ireland showing mileages in the pre-1840 period. Link |
Penny Postage | Documents (from both official and private sources) relating to the great Penny Postage reforms of 1840 and their aftermath. Link |
Postal Museum Publications |
Selected documents originally produced by the Museum and Archives under their various names, reproduced with permission. Link |