What year did the Royal Mail start?

The Royal Mail started service in 1516 by order of the English monarch, Henry VII. This was the moment when the office of "Master of the Posts" was created. This title was later changed to Postmaster General.

Prior to this, a rudimentary system of messenger service existed for royal letters of communication that dated back to the early 12th century. However, its reach was limited, and its organization was inconsistent.

In 1635, Charles I opened up the Royal Mail to the public. Up until that time, the Royal Mail system was for the exclusive use of the Crown, government and select private citizens. Initially, the recipients of the letters would pay for the postage.