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Indian Mail signals, at Folkestone, 1844. Creator: Unknown
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Indian Mail signals, at Folkestone, 1844. Creator: Unknown
Indian Mail signals, at Folkestone, 1844. Postal service between Britain and India: In approaching this port [Folkestone, from Boulogne, ] the vessel hoists a signal of the " Mail"...to give notice to the harbour-master and the railroad authorities, to have all things in readiness to speed it on its flight to the metropolis; but if the coast be made during the night, a red light under her bows and a white light at the mast-head are the only signals given. The answer to these signals, from the pierhead, is made by a double white light, as shown in our engraving. The passage by steam vessels has varied from 2 hours and 40 minutes to 14 hours; and by sailing vessels, from 3 hours and 55 minutes to 48 hours. From " Illustrated London News", 1844, Vol I
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Media ID 20369685
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British India British Raj Coastguard Imperialism Letter Letters Lights Mail Post Signalling Signalling Post Signals Telescope The Raj Black And British Empire Hindoostan Illustrated London News
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print titled "Indian Mail signals, at Folkestone, 1844" takes us back to a significant era in British history. The image showcases the intricate postal service between Britain and India during the 19th century. As the vessel approaches the port of Folkestone from Boulogne, it hoists a signal of the "Mail" alerting both the harbour-master and railroad authorities to prepare for its swift journey to London. In this engraving from "Illustrated London News" in 1844, we witness how communication played a vital role in connecting countries within the vast British Empire. Even during nighttime arrivals along the coast, red and white lights under the ship's bows and mast-head serve as crucial signals. The pierhead responds with a double white light, ensuring seamless coordination between land and sea. The print also sheds light on transportation methods of that time. Steam vessels completed this voyage in record times ranging from just 2 hours and 40 minutes to up to 14 hours, while sailing vessels took anywhere from 3 hours and 55 minutes to an astonishingly long duration of up to 48 hours. This intriguing photograph not only captures an important historical moment but also highlights how advancements in technology revolutionized mail delivery across vast distances. It serves as a testament to human ingenuity and determination in overcoming geographical barriers through efficient signaling systems at sea.
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