Canvey Island Local Post 

The Canvey Island Local Post (CILP) is a private non-commercial local mail 'service' operating on Canvey Island, Essex, England.

CanveyPost.org is a 'hobby' site dedicated to the promotion of cinderella stamps, postcard collecting, modern Local Posts (philopoly) and the history and development of Canvey Island. 

CILP produces unique and highly collectable limited edition faux or cinderella stamps, postcards and covers  commemorating the history, landmarks and wildlife of Canvey Island and the surrounding region. These are available for purchase online from our philatelic agent

CILP also maintains a Canvey Island Postcard Archive sourced from private collections to provide a resource for social history researchers and local schools, and for general interest, plus a small eclectic Photo Gallery.

  What is a Local Post?

A 'local post' is a mail service that operates only within a limited geographical area. Historically, many local posts have been operated by governments and commercial companies. Today, many stamp collectors or Local Posters (philopolists) issue their own postage "stamps" for other collectors to collect or just for the creative challenge and fun. 

Most local posts do not actually carry any mail but some transport letters over a short distance by arrangement and for family and friends. The Canvey Island Local Post falls into this category. Canvey Local Post stamps are affixed to all mail despatched from its main office and 'walked' (Standard service) or 'bicycled' (Express Service) to local Royal Mail post offices or mail boxes on the island for onward delivery to the mainland and beyond. 

  Where is Canvey Island?

Canvey Island is located in the River Thames Estuary, England, approximately 35 miles from London as the crow flies. The Island has a rich history dating back before the Romans and has been closely involved in the trading and maritime life of the River Thames and the historical story of the county of Essex and development of London.

For a brief history of the island (warts and all) visit Wikipedia. For more detailed in depth information, Islander anecdotes, local history and much more, we recommend the outstanding Canvey Island Community Archive

  Map of South-East Essex by John Norden (1594) showing Canvey Island (CILP annotation)

  Postcard Archive

Our Postcard Archive is sourced from private collections. The archive offers an insight into the developments and social history of Canvey Island and includes cards from the 'Golden Age' of postcards to contemporary postcards. Additionally we host a small eclectic Photo Gallery of Canvey Island images also sourced from private albums.

  The 'Postmaster'

The CILP Postmaster was born on Canvey Island in 1959 and still resides on the island. He attended Furtherwick Park School, Canvey Island, between 1970-1975 and Thundersley VI Form College from 1975 to 77. As a mature student he was awarded  a first class BA (Honours) Degree in history and a Diploma in Modern Social History Research in 2003. In 2006 he was awarded an MA Postgraduate Degree in history. His family has been resident on the island since the early 1920s. 

  Site Dedication

This site is dedicated to the 58 'Islanders' who lost their lives in the Great Flood on the night of 31 January, 1953.

North Avenue, Canvey Island, February 1953

(The Postmaster's maternal grandparents house was to the right of the army lorry during the 1953 flood)

Last Site Update:  06-January-2012