A5310

Engraved print of the west end of Rochester castle, circa 1860; seen from the river, various small sailing & rowing boats. Printed by Kershaw & Son, who ran the London Stereoscope Co; printed on folded paper, so intended as a notelet for short letters (as indeed this one has been used). Illustrated letterheads like this one were sent by visitors to the seaside, the Lake District, the Scottish Highlands and other British tourist attractions in the mid 19th century. They were precursors of the picture postcards which began to supplant them after the introduction of the half-penny post in 1870.

mid 19th century, circa 1860

print of Rochester castle, Illustrated letterhead