Records created and used by the London District Telegraph Company

Scope and Content

This collection contains financial records of the London District Telegraph Company, including correspondence on its transference into state ownership in 1870.

Administrative / Biographical History

The London District Telegraph Company was established in 1859, to develop telegraphic communication within a radius of four miles from Charing Cross (London), with provision to extend to 20 miles. It employed a roof-to-roof wiring system, instead of installing underground cables. It initally employed 45 women (pioneering at the time) as female operators. It became the London and Provincial Telegraph Company for a short time from 1867. The company ceased operating and its network was transferred to the Post Office in 1870.

Arrangement

This collection is arranged by business function.

Access Information

Available for research at BT Group Archives, see www.bt.com/archives.

Acquisition Information

These records were transferred by the Post Office Archives between 1 June 1991 and 30 April 1992.

Other Finding Aids

Full catalogues for BT Group Archives can be searched at www.bt.com/archivesonline.

Archivist's Note

The records were previously catalogued as part of the Post Office class 81, they have been recatalogued to better reflect their provenance and to allow for improved access.