The Royal Mail is marking the 350th anniversary of the first postmark by stamping information about postcards and posting times on this year’s Christmas postbag.

The first ever postmark – known as the Bishop Mark after its creator Henry Bishop – was introduced in 1661, imprinted by hand and marking the day and month an item was posted.

Machine-printed postmarks were introduced in 1857, with the first slogan appearing in 1917, telling people they could buy national war bonds.

Hundreds of millions of letters and cards will be delivered in the coming weeks carrying information to help find postcodes and giving recommended posting dates.

Royal Mail spokesman Stephen Agar said: “The introduction of the postmark 350 years ago was a world first.

“It was replicated around the globe in the years that followed. It is now a fundamental part of our Christmas mail services, with millions of items of festive mail carrying information on how people can help Royal Mail’s postmen and women deliver the bumper festive postbag.”

The latest recommended posting dates for Christmas mail are December 20 for first class and December 17 for second-class mail.

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