Interesting sidelights on the work of the G.P.O.

Pneumatic tubes, Central Telegraph Office

Large numbers of telegrams leave and arrive at the Central Telegraph Office in London (and also in other large towns) through pneumatic tubes. These tubes are laid under the streets and vary in length from a few hundred yatds to 2,5 miles. They connect the Central Telegraph Office with the more import Branch Post Office in the City and the West End, Cable Companies and some of the Newspapers. The telegram forms are enclosed in felt covered gutta-percha carriers, and blown through the tubes by air under pressure or vacuum. Altogether there are about 80 miles of tube working to and from the Central Post Office.

Publication of the Lambert & Butler's Cigarettes company, Branch of the Imperial Tobacco Co. (of Great Britain & Ireland), Ltd.
A series of 50 cards - By courtesy of the Postmaster General - Card number 22

Sources and more information

• London’s Lost Pneumatic Railway: The World’s 2nd Oldest Underground