Posted by Caroline on August 06, 1997 at 13:22:30:
In reply to Frankly, my dear... posted by Ann on August 06, 1997 at 12:48:31
] ] 1- What does it mean "to be franked"? Is it a tip or a present?
] In the Regency the recipient of a piece of mail would be the one to pay for it, and they would pay based on the number of pages. In Mansfield Park, Sir Thomas franks Fanny's letters. This means that William would not have to pay for them. Sir Thomas probably was authorized to frank because of his rank as a baronet.
I think franking was a priveliege of the Aristocracy and members of Parliament at the time.And I believe it was done by affixing your official seal, showing your coat of arms, or something similar. The "signet ring" was used for this purpose, and the very interesting fobs ;-) worn by Mr Darcy could well have included his seal.
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