APostmaster General,[1] inAnglosphere countries, is the chief executive officer of thepostal service of that country, aministerial office responsible for overseeing all otherpostmasters.
The practice of having agovernment official responsible for overseeing the delivery ofmail throughout the nation originated in England. A 'Master of the Posts' is mentioned in theKing's Book of Payments, with a payment of£100 being authorised forSir Brian Tuke as 'Master of the King's Post'[1] in February 1512.[2] In 1517, he was appointed to the office of 'Governor of the King's Posts', a precursor to the office ofPostmaster General of the United Kingdom, byHenry VIII.[3] In 1609, it was decreed that letters could only be carried and delivered by persons authorised by the Postmaster General.[1]
In the United Kingdom, the office of Postmaster General was abolished in 1969. It was replaced by theMinister of Posts and Telecommunications. In 2000, its functions were transferred to theSecretary of State at theDepartment of Trade and Industry (DTI).[1]
International equivalents include:
| Jurisdiction | Official title | Years |
|---|---|---|
| Scotland | Postmaster General for Scotland | 1616–1707 |
| United States | United States Postmaster General | 1775–present |
| Ireland | Postmaster-General of Ireland | 1784–1831 |
| Sri Lanka | Postmaster General of Sri Lanka | 1815–present |
| New Zealand | Postmaster-General of New Zealand | 1858–1989 |
| Hong Kong | Postmaster General of Hong Kong | 1860–present |
| Canada | Postmaster General of Canada | 1867–1981 |
| Australia | Postmaster-General of Australia | 1901–1975 |
| History |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Components | ||
| Delivery | ||
| Staff | ||
| Processing | ||
Institutions and systems | ||
| Related | ||
| List of entities that have issued postage stamps | ||
