UDCs - Chew Stoke, Widcombe, Wookey

A trio of UDCs, starting with a partial late-type "CHEW.STOKE" single ring undated handstamp from February 1859.  This handstamp was previously unknown - there are two possible handstamps it could be, either "CHEW.MAGNA" or "CHEW.STOKE".  Under close examination there is some evidence for the "S" and the final "E".

Widcombe under Bath was issued with three UDCs.  Below is currently the earliest known example in black of the first one issued, from December 1850.

Wookey was issued with two UDCs.  Below is currently the only known example of the first UDC, from November 1849.  No example of the second UDC is currently known.

Wells Receiving House "No.1" - Wookey

Wells Penny Post had a number of receiving houses, one of the most common being the boxed "No.1" receiving house at Wookey which had plenty of mail from the Bishop of Norwich. Here is an example from 1822 that has been franked "H. Norwich".  This allowed the mail to go free in the General Post but was still liable to the Wells Penny Post charge.

This second example from 1823 appears to be part of the same correspondence.

This third exampe from December 1832 is not from the Bishop and has been prepaid 11d, 1d for the Wells Penny Post plus 10d for the General Post from Wells to London.