The practice of having a
government official responsible for overseeing the delivery of
mail throughout the nation originated in England. A 'Master of the Posts' is mentioned in the ''King's Book of Payments'', with a payment of
£100 being authorised for
Sir Brian Tuke as 'Master of the King's Post' In 1517, he was appointed to the office of 'Governor of the King's Posts', a precursor to the office of
Postmaster General of the United Kingdom, by
Henry VIII. In 1609, it was decreed that letters could only be carried and delivered by persons authorised by the Postmaster General. In the United Kingdom, the office of Postmaster General was abolished in 1969. It was replaced by the
Minister of Posts and Telecommunications. In 2000, its functions were transferred to the
Secretary of State at the
Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). == International ==