Thomas Waghorn black plaque

This black commemorative plaque records: The Thomas Waghorn This classic Edwardian-style building first opened its doors, in 1902, as Chatham's new Head Post Office. It was built for the General Post Office (GPO) by its Office of Works, under the direction of William Oldrieve. It is now named after the Chatham-born naval officer and merchant seaman Thomas Waghorn, who was also a postal pioneer. Waghorn developed a new postal route from Great Britain to India. His new 6,000-mile overland route replaced the 16,000-mile sea journey, reducing the time taken from around three months to between 35 and 40 days. Recorded plaque organisation: J. D. Wetherspoon.

Thomas Waghorn was a Chatham-born naval officer and merchant seaman who significantly reduced postal delivery times between Great Britain and India by developing an overland route that cut travel time from three months to about 40 days.