The world's first postmark, known as the "Bishop Mark," was first used on April 19, 1661. This historic event took place in England during the reign of King Charles II. The Bishop Mark was a type of handstamp introduced to indicate that the postage fee had been paid on a letter or parcel.
The Bishop Mark derived its name from its distinctive design, which often featured the initials or coat of arms of a bishop. Initially, the Bishop Mark was applied by local clergy members who were authorized to act as postmasters in their communities.
The introduction of the Bishop Mark was a significant development in the history of postal services, as it helped to standardize the process of postage payment and mail handling. It also provided a means of tracking the movement of mail and preventing tampering or theft.
Over time, the Bishop Mark evolved into various forms and designs, reflecting the changing postal systems and practices in different countries. Today, postmarks continue to play an essential role in mail processing and are used by postal services worldwide to indicate the date, time, and location of mailing.
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