Editing Penny Post (section)

===Uniform Penny Post===
{{main|Uniform Penny Post}}
On 5 December 1839 the '''[[Uniform Fourpenny Post]]''' was introduced by the [[General Post Office]] but lasted only 36 days until 9 January 1840 when the Uniform Penny Post replaced it.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.askphil.org/b25u.htm |title=Glossary of Stamp Collecting Terms |publisher=AskPhil.org - Collectors Club of Chicago |access-date=2009-04-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110628203343/http://www.askphil.org/b25u.htm|archive-date=28 June 2011 }}</ref> 
In 1835 [[Rowland Hill (postal reformer)|Rowland Hill]] published a pamphlet entitled 'Post Office Reform' which led to various reforms and the introduction of the first postage stamp. He convinced Parliament to implement much needed reforms in the current postal system. On 10 January 1840, the '''[[Uniform Penny Post]]''' was established throughout Great Britain and Ireland, facilitating the safe, speedy and cheap conveyance of letters. Hill had demonstrated that the current system was inefficient and slow and not cost effective. Time was wasted when the postman waited at each house to collect payment. From 6 May 1840, letters could be prepaid with the first [[postage stamp]], known as the [[Penny Black]] for up to a half ounce in weight, otherwise they would be charged twopence as unpaid letters or required additional postage. The use of prepaid postage through adhesive stamps revolutionized the postal service. While the Post Office was initially skeptical, the new system proved to be a resounding success, leading to greater efficiency, speed, and profitability.<ref>Fred J. Melville, ''Origins Of The Penny Post'' (London: Philatelic Institute, 1930). </ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Colin |last=Baker |url=http://brlsi.org/proceed04/lunch200404.htm |title=Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution Proceedings vol.8 The History of the Postal Services |publisher=Royal Literary & Scientific Institution |access-date=December 12, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110524151409/http://www.brlsi.org/proceed04/lunch200404.htm |archive-date=May 24, 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref>