Post, Telegraph, Telephone & Electricity: Communicating in 1901

More from our friend “Kron”, this time informing would-be tourists of the many and various ways Londoners got in touch with one another. How things have changed…

There is hardly any public official more popular and more welcome than the postman (officially called: letter-carrier). It is he who brings good, and sometimes also bad, news, going round from house to house, and dropping the letters and other correspondence into the letter box (“letters”) affixed to the front-door. He never forgets to give his double knock. In London, there are up to 11 collections and deliveries daily. Letters and post-cards are posted at the Post Offices [General Post Office (G. P. O.), District Offices, or Branch Offices], or at one of the numerous red pillar-boxes placed at the edge of the pavement. (the dark-coloured bins are for street refuse).

Before posting my letter, note (i.e. a short informal letter), or card, I must, of course, first write it. For this purpose I get a sheet of note paper, a pen, and some ink. White paper is the most appropriate. I first write the date (in the right hand top-corner). The openings My Dear Friend, (Dear) Sir, Madam (applying to all ladies), Gentlemen, &c., are followed by a comma. What I have to say to my correspondent, ends by a polite expression, e.g. Yours sincerely, Yours truly,
Yours faithfully, Respectfully yours, &c. The signature comes last.

When my letter is finished, I put it in(to) an envelope, and close it. Sometimes I also seal it with sealing wax, and put my crest on by means of a seal. Then I write the address (or direction), and stick a (postage) stamp on (2½d. every ½ oz. for abroad, 1d. for inland letters not exceeding 4 ozs. In weight).

There are various kinds of letters which may be classed under two heads, e.g. business (or commercial) letters, and private (or familiar) letters. Among the latter we may distinguish: letters of congratulation (upon birthday, New-Year, or any other joyful event), letters of condolence, letters of thanks, letters of apology, letters of introduction, petitions, applications, and many others.

In the address I may either put Mr. before the name, or Esq. (i.e. Esquire) after. When corresponding with my tailor, I write e.g.: Mr. Robert Taylor, 36, Chancery Lane, London, W.C. But in addressing a professional gentleman, I write for instance: Christopher Smith, Esq., 25 Piccadilly, London, W. The words Mr. and Esq. now have the same meaning, and must not be both used together in the same address. In writing to a Dr. (Doctor), Professor, Reverend, Captain, Major, Colonel, General &c. neither Esq. nor Mr. is put, but simply the title or rank, and the address. In the case of a clergyman, the Christian name must be added. A school-boy is addressed by the word Master (not Mr. or Esq.). a married lady by Mrs. (pronounced Missis), an unmarried lady by Miss (several young ladies as Misses).

A Victorian Postman

Other remarks on the envelope may be: Please forward, please send on, To be forwarded (or sent on) (in case the addressee is absent from home), care of (shortened: c/o = to be delivered to). When the letter is sent to the Poste Restante, the Post Office must be added to the name of the addressee, e.g. W.R., Esq., Charing Cross P.O., London (all Branch Offices receive such letters).

  If there is a possibility of my letter not reaching the addressee, I write in one corner, or on the back: from followed by my name and address, or I have my letter registered (fee 2d. in addition to the ordinary postage). Letters and other correspondence whose addressee cannot be found – so called “dead letters” – are sent to the Returned (or Dead) Letter Office (a department of the G. P. O.) where they are opened and disposed of (returned, if possible, to the sender, or destroyed).

  Besides letters (plain and illustrated) post-cards, books, newspapers and other printed matter covered with a wrapper, patterns, samples, and money orders are also forwarded by post.

Money may be sent by Money Orders, Postal Orders (inland only), or registered letters. Foreign Money Orders are only paid out at the Post Office. Foreign Money orders can only be sent to Germany.
Parcels not over 11lbs. in weight can be sent by Parcel Post (inland and foreign)

Telegrams may be sent to all parts of the United Kingdom (U.K.) at the rate of 6d. for the first twelve words, and one half-penny for each additional word; addresses are charged for. The minimum cost of foreign telegrams is 10d. Telegrams are transmitted by the telegraph (or by wire). The telegraph acts by means of electricity passing through copper wires.

The Telegraph Room

 Quite recently, a young Italian, W. Marconi (born 1877), has invented an electric apparatus by means of which messages can be sent without going through a wire. In 1901, Marconi succeeded in transmitting such a message from Lizard Point to the Isle of Wight, a distance of about 300 km. This wireless telegraphy gives promise of success.  

Cablegrams (i.e. messages by one of the trans-atlantic cables) may be sent from Europe to North America (fee: 1s. to 1/8 per word of 10 letters), and to other parts of the globe.

The telephone  is another apparatus by means of which messages can be sent quickly. Just as we can write by telegraph, we can speak by (or through) the telephone. There are a great number of public call rooms (or offices) in London; the fee is 3d. for each conversation of 3 minutes. A telephone between London and Paris was established in 1891; the fee is 8s. per conversation of 3 minutes. The usual phrases for speaking through the telephone are: (Give me) number…please (said in ringing up the attendant at the exchange [station]). Are you there? (said) to the correspondent) – Here Mr. …(My name). conversation is then carried on in the ordinary tone of voice, and when it is finished, each correspondent presses his bell as a signal for disconnecting.

Electricity is also applied to the working of the phonograph, electric bells, trams, cabs &c. One of the most marvelous inventions of the nineteenth century has, however, been its application to photography. In December 1895, a learned German University Professor, the physicist Dr. Rontgen, discovered an electric light capable of impressing a photographic plate after passing through opaque (or not transparent) substances, such as wood, human flesh, &c., wheras other things, as metals and bones, do not allow those rays – called Rontgen’s X Rays -  to pass through them. This “Photography of the invisible (or Unseen)” has caused an enormous sensation throughout the civilized world, and already rendered great services to medical science, especially to surgery. – Of other electricians and electrical engineers the most noted are the German Werner Siemens, and the American Thomas Edison, “The Sorcerer of Menlo Park” (near New York).

Getting Around London in 1901

More charming and helpful information for turn-of-the-century tourists to London from “Kron: The Little Londoner” the writer who loved a bracket or two. This time on the best ways on the best ways to get around London in 1901:

Underground Railways. – Underground London is crossed in all directions by tunnels for the trains (about 1400 daily on one City line) of the Underground (Metropolitan and District) Railways. The three Electric Railways leading to and from the heart of the City are also underground; two of them even pass under the Thames. A third underground electric line, the new Central London Railway, (opened in 1900), runs from the City (Liverpool Street) to Shepherd’s Bush, passing under the large thoroughfare of Cheapside, Oxford Street, Uxbridge Road.

Thames Steamboats. – Numerous steamboats ply on the Thames, of course, weather permitting. The fares are very low (½ d. to 2d.) London Bridge is the point of departure. The boats as a rule call at all the piers.

Tramways. – Trams* are not permitted within the City of London; nor in the West End; but they are very popular in the other parts. Like railways, they run on iron rails laid on the road-way of the streets. We distinguish electric trams (also called motor cars, moved by electricity), steam- trams (drawn by steam-engines), and horse-trams (drawn by horses driven by a driver – some are drawn by mules). The London tram-cars have seats inside and outside (or on the top); standing on the platform is forbidden. The conductor collects (or receives) the fares, asking for them by a set phrase: “Fares, please!” In London, the fare is the same for inside and outside (or top) seats. Every passenger gets a small ticket on which are marked the amount for the fare, and the distance he rides. Many people prefer riding on the top; here you have the advantage of seeing more of the traffic, the air is far fresher, and you may smoke if you feel inclined.

*Tram is an old Teutonic word meaning “log of wood, beam”; the tram-road was at first a log-road on which (miner’s) tracks were pushed or drawn along.

Omnibuses (or Buses) are much the same as the tram-cars; only they do not run on rails, and are, as a rule, drawn by two horses. Most of the ‘buses have special names. The fares and tickets are like those of the trams. On the so-called “pirates” or “pirate- buses” (belonging to private proprietors), the passengers receive no ticket, and are asked a higher fare than is usual; they are simply robbed of their money by the conductors who pocket the balance (or excess charged), and therefore keep hailing (or inviting) passers-by to get in. there is a tariff (or table of fares) inside every omnibus.

The “rule of the road” for all vehicles is to keep to the left; passengers will therefore have to wait for the ‘bus or tram on the left side of the street which they intend to take. When all seats are taken (or engaged), the ‘bus or tram is said to be “full up”; often it is only “full inside”.

Coaches. – in fine weather, elegant coaches, frequently driven by their owners, run from London to various places in the vicinity (e.g. to Richmond , Kew &c.). The fares are rather high.

Cabs, &c. – When in a hurry, I take a cab (or two-wheeler), or a four-wheeler – the latter in case I have much luggage. The London cabs are called hansoms  from (the name of) the inventor. They are usually open in front, and have the driver’s seat elevated behind. The fares are reckoned by distance (or by journey), unless the cab is expressly hired (or taken) by time (or by the hours) The London cabmen (colloquially: cabbies) are good whips, that is to say, they are noted for their skilful and fast driving. Motor cabs (or electric cabs, electromobile cabs) are hardly to be seen about the London streets.

Cycling. – The (bi)cycle (or wheel, machine) nowadays is the most popular of all means of locomotion in every grade of society, and for both sexes. There are two kinds of cycles, viz., the bicycles (having 2 wheels), and the tricycles (having 3 wheels). Among the former, the most popular machine is the safety (-bicycle), the wheels of which are (nearly) of equal height. Safeties for ordinary use are called roadsters, those for racing, racers. There are also junior (i.e. boys’ and girls’) machines. The tricycle is in particular favour with (or among) elderly wheelmen. Another kind of cycle is the tandem, a 2- or 3-wheeled machine for 2 or more persons, in which one rider sits behind the other. – The principal parts of a cycle are the wheels with tangent spokes, the framework, saddle, pedals (i.e. cranks and treads), chain, handle-bars, brake, mud-guards, gear-case, bell, lamp, and tool-bag. The wheels have tyres (also spelt tires) of India-rubber; hollow pneumatic tyres filled with air are most in favour they are filled by means of a small air-pump. Solid and cushion tyres are no longer up-to-date. – Chainless cycles and motor-cycles are the latest novelties.

Kron - The Little Londoner

Antique books are a bit of a hobby of mine and of course, I tend to collect only Victorian books, that being my era of fascination. One of the most interesting genres of Victorian publication (outside of journalism) I find is the guide book.

There are plenty of books out there aimed at Victorian tourists, explaining and mapping the delights of London for visitors, and for someone trying to write about the period, these can be invaluable.

I am currently working (my hardest) on a novel (pipe dream) set in London between 1860 and 1875, and one of the most helpful books I have come across is “Murray’s Modern London 1860” which you can have a look at here

This is an extremely comprehensive tour guide, which takes the visitor through everything from a map of the Thames to a description of the markets, details about the bridges to the royal parks and much more. This book is still being reproduced now, clearly, and along with the Stanford maps, Cassel’s guides et al, can give great descriptions of places, medicines, and buildings etc.

When antique guide books come along its all the more pleasing – some weeks ago I was perusing an antiques shop not far from Hampton Court, and I stumbled across a curious little book entitled:

“Kron,

The Little Londoner –

 a Concise Account of the Life and Ways of the English with Special reference to London”

It wasn’t too expensive so I bought it and had a look.

I have the fifth edition, published in 1901 by the German publisher J. Bielefeld, based in Karlsruhe, so its not quite Victorian. The original publishing date, I'm fairly certain, is also 1901, this is clear due to the following paragraph in the chapter on the British Empire:

“The present Sovereign is King Edward VII, born on the 9^th November, 1841. he succeeded to the throne on the 22^nd of January, 1901, on the death of his mother, Queen Victoria. King Edward is also Emperor of India…”

The contents are quite delightful and charming, and it is the most detailed and comprehensive guide book I think I’ve ever read, with chapters ranging from guides to food and meals, seasons and weather, the human body, London, and even toilet.

Well, I know you want to hear about the toileting habits of the Edwardians, so here goes:

(note – I have omitted the opening paragraph for fear that it may cause offence)

“Every one of us, before going to bed at night, takes off his clothes, ie undresses, and puts on his night-shirt, or pyjamas, ie a flannel or silk sleeping-suit (jacket and trousers). Every morning, we dress (or put on our clothes).

  When I wake up (or awake) after a good night’s rest, I involuntarily rub my eyes, and then get up (or rise) in order to dress. I first put on my pants (or drawers), then my socks (reaching up to the calves), or stockings (reaching to the knee), my trousers (familiarly bags, or breeches; in America pants, or pantaloons), and my slippers.

  Then I go to the wash(ing)-stand and have a thorough wash in cold water, which is far more refreshing and wholesome than (luke)warm (or tepid) water. In washing I use a sponge and a cake or tablet of unscented soap. I have a rough and a soft towel to dry myself with. Many people have a bath-room close to their bed-room and have (or take) a tub, ie a bath (hot or cold) every morning.

  Then I clean (or brush) my teeth with a tooth-brush and tooth-powder (or dentifrice), and gargle (or rinse my mouth). After every meal I also clean and rinse my mouth to prevent my teeth from decaying. When I have done washing (myself), I comb and brush my hair [with a comb and a (hair-) brush]. I detest pomatum and perfumes (or scents), and never put any on my hair.

  My beard grows very fast, and so I (have a) shave (or get shaved) every other morning. being (or getting) shaved by a barber is an unpleasant affair for me, so I prefer to do it by myself. I have a complete shaving-tackle (a razor, strop, brush, and shaving soap).

  I then put on my (under-)vest and my (day-)shirt; I fasten a stick-up (or stand-up) or a turn-down, (or lay-down) collar to it by means of studs, put on a silk tie or scarf, a pair of cuffs with links, and lastly my waistcoat and my coat (or jacket).

  Before going down to breakfast , I take off my slippers and put on a pair of clean, well-blacked boots or shoes. (Englishmen mostly wear laced boots). In summer I also wear brown boots or tans, ie boots of a tan or yellowish colour. As for my patent (leather) boots, I only put them on in very fine weather or when I go to a party. When there is snow or bad weather, I wear waterproof goloshes over my boots. Before going out, I brush my felt hat or silk hat, and put on a pair of gloves (kid, buckskin, doeskin or woollen gloves. White buckskin gloves are only worn in the Army and Navy).”

I’m not quite sure who chapters like this are aimed at, and its incomprehensible that a modern day version of this would ever be published, but I certainly got a few chuckles reading it.

A slightly more useful chapter, perhaps, for the foreign tourist of 1901, is the chapter on transport, which includes a little section about the language to be expected when hiring a London cab.

You can almost picture Mr German, all washed and shaved with boots on, holding this little guidebook and attempting to converse with a London Cabbie on his Hansom.

The suggested conversation in the book goes like this:

Gentleman: Hallo! Are you engaged?

Cabman: No, I am disengaged, Where to?

Gentleman: Take me to 14, Westmoreland Road, Bayswater.

Cabman: All right, shall I take your portmanteau?

Gentleman: Yes, you may put it on the top, but mind it doesn’t come down!

Cabman: No fear of that!

Gentleman: Stop! You have gone too far, turn back, please!

Cabman: Well, didn’t you say number forty?

Gentleman: No, I told you to take me to number fourteen.

Cabman: Ah, that’s quite different.

Gentleman: Stop! Here it is. What’s your fare?

Cabman: One and sixpence fare, and twopence for the luggage, one and eight in all.

Gentleman: Here are two shillings, keep the rest for yourself, and hand me down the portmanteau, will you?

Cabman: Here you are.

Quite charming, as I said! Other chapters that may have proved useful are ones about English society, one entitled “Clubs, restaurants, public houses, cafes, newspapers, smoking” and another “Post, letters, telegraph, cable, telephone and electricity”.

But I haven’t seen any other guidebook which includes a chapter on basic arithmetic and how to tell the time. I suggest that any tourist unable to tell the time will have done well to arrive in London at all! But then, there is a chapter on Travelling by Land and Sea, of course!

A lovely little book, if the above has interested you at all why not try Ebay, or even better, get out and about in your local (or non local) antique shop and try and find a copy, you never know what else you may stumble upon.