The British postcode system is a vital part of the country's geographic infrastructure, enabling efficient mail delivery and providing a unique identifier for every property in the UK. In London, the postcode system is particularly complex, with a wide range of codes covering different areas of the city. The London postcode area, also known as the London postal district, is one of the oldest and largest in the UK, covering over 607 square miles and containing more than 8 million residents.
History of the London Postcode System
The London postcode system has its roots in the 19th century, when the city’s rapid growth and urbanization led to the need for a more efficient mail delivery system. In 1857, the British postal authorities introduced a system of postal districts, which divided London into 10 areas: EC (Eastern Central), WC (Western Central), N (North), NE (North-East), E (East), SE (South-East), S (South), SW (South-West), W (West), and NW (North-West). These districts were further subdivided into smaller areas, with each area having its own unique postcode.
London Postcode Formats
London postcodes typically consist of a combination of letters and numbers, with the format “A1 1AA” or “A11 1AA”. The first part of the postcode, known as the “outcode”, identifies the postal district and sector, while the second part, known as the “incode”, identifies the specific street or property. For example, the postcode “EC1A 1BB” indicates that the property is located in the Eastern Central postal district, sector 1A, and has the specific incode “1BB”.
| Postal District | Postcode Format | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Eastern Central | EC1-EC4 | EC1A 1BB |
| Western Central | WC1-WC2 | WC1A 1AB |
| North | N1-N22 | N1 1AA |
In addition to the standard postcode formats, London also has a number of specialized postcodes, including those for large businesses, government buildings, and other institutions. These postcodes are often used for mail sorting and delivery purposes, and can help to speed up the delivery process.
London Postcode Areas
London is divided into 12 main postcode areas, each of which covers a specific geographic area. These areas are:
- EC (Eastern Central): covers the area around St Paul's Cathedral and the Barbican
- WC (Western Central): covers the area around Oxford Street and Covent Garden
- N (North): covers the area around Camden and Islington
- NE (North-East): covers the area around Hackney and Stratford
- E (East): covers the area around the City of London and Tower Hamlets
- SE (South-East): covers the area around Southwark and Lewisham
- S (South): covers the area around Wandsworth and Merton
- SW (South-West): covers the area around Kingston and Richmond
- W (West): covers the area around Westminster and Kensington
- NW (North-West): covers the area around Hampstead and Brent
Each of these postcode areas is further subdivided into smaller sectors, with each sector having its own unique postcode. This system allows for efficient mail delivery and provides a unique identifier for every property in London.
What is the format of a London postcode?
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A London postcode typically consists of a combination of letters and numbers, with the format “A1 1AA” or “A11 1AA”. The first part of the postcode, known as the “outcode”, identifies the postal district and sector, while the second part, known as the “incode”, identifies the specific street or property.
How many postcode areas are there in London?
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There are 12 main postcode areas in London, each of which covers a specific geographic area.
What is the purpose of the London postcode system?
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The London postcode system is designed to provide a unique identifier for every property in London, allowing for efficient mail delivery and providing a way to navigate the city’s complex geographic layout.
