A5329

Engraved print of Rochester & Strood, circa 1860; bridge with castle & cathedral beyond; viewed from the Frindsbury foreshore, various vessels on the river; has been used as a headed notelet (handwriting present). Printed by Kershaw & Son, who ran the London Stereoscope Co; printed on folded paper, so intended as a notelet for short letters. 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 from Frindsbury, Illustrated letterhead