Messenger Service

From Tolkien Gateway

The Messenger Service was the system used in the Shire for its inhabitants to communicate with each other. By this way, letters and news was passed between the four Farthings.

Not all Hobbits were lettered but those that were wrote constantly to friends and family. Mail was typically used to communicate with those more than a days walk away.[1]

The office of the Mayor, in his capacity as Postmaster, was responsible for its efficiency. The Messenger Service was one of two Shire-Services, the other being the Watch. The Messenger Service was the much busier of the two with numerous Hobbits working as Messengers in contrast to the only twelve Shirriffs and the Bounders (During the time in which Saruman controlled the Shire these numbers were greatly increased.)[1][2]

While not explicitly stated, mail was likely delivered twice a day as this was the case in England at the time of writing there is a mention of Bilbo reading his morning mail.[3]

In the days leading to Bilbo's Farewell Party, Bilbo Baggins sent hundreds of invitations all around Hobbiton and Bywater, followed by hundreds of responses; the respective post-offices were blocked or overwhelmed, and volunteer postmen came to assist.[4]

Quick Post[edit | edit source]

The Quick Post was apparently the speediest way to send information within the Shire. Tolkien stated that the Messenger Service and the Watch were the only Shire-services with all other services falling under the category of these so the quick post was almost certainly part of the Messenger Service.[1] When the Chief had taken control of the Shire he used the old Quick Post service to gather information.[2]

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