Rowland Hill

Rowland Hill

Name	Rowland Hill
Birth name
Birth date	(1795-12-03)3 December 1795
Birth place	Kidderminster, Worcestershire, England
Death date	27 August 1879(1879-08-27) (aged 83)
Death place	Hampstead, London, England
Alma mater
Occupation
Years active
Organization
Known for	Postal reforms, introduction of the postage stamp
Notable works
Spouse(s)
Website

Rowland Hill (3 December 1795 – 27 August 1879) was an English teacher, inventor, and social reformer. He is best known for his pioneering reforms of the postal system, which led to the invention of the postage stamp. His efforts revolutionized the way mail was sent and received, making it more accessible and affordable for the general public.

Early Life and Education

Rowland Hill was born in Kidderminster, Worcestershire, England. He was the son of Thomas Wright Hill, a schoolmaster, and Sarah Lea. Hill was educated at his father's school, Hill Top, in Birmingham, where he later became a teacher. His early education and teaching experience laid the foundation for his interest in educational and social reforms.

Career and Postal Reforms

Hill's career began in education, where he introduced several innovative teaching methods. However, he is most renowned for his work in postal reform. In the early 19th century, the British postal system was inefficient and expensive. Hill proposed a comprehensive reform in his 1837 pamphlet, "Post Office Reform: Its Importance and Practicability."

The Penny Post

Hill's most significant contribution was the introduction of the "Penny Post." He suggested that postal rates should be based on weight rather than distance, and that prepayment should be encouraged through the use of adhesive stamps. This led to the issuance of the world's first postage stamp, the Penny Black, in 1840.

Impact of Reforms

Hill's reforms had a profound impact on the postal system. They made mail services more affordable and accessible, leading to a dramatic increase in the volume of mail. The success of the Penny Post in Britain inspired similar reforms in other countries, transforming global communication.

Later Life and Legacy

After his success with postal reforms, Hill continued to work in various government positions, including as Secretary to the Post Office. He was knighted in 1860 for his contributions to the postal system.

Hill's legacy is commemorated in various ways, including the Rowland Hill Awards, which recognize excellence in philately. His work laid the groundwork for modern postal systems worldwide.

Also see

• Penny Black
• History of the British postal system
• Philately
• Postage stamp