The first thing to say on this topic is that it is hardly a family history one! The second is that while I would agree with other correspondents on most of what they have said, and they are probably correct about the post-code, I do worry about the tendency of many British people to act as if this country does not exist. When I say "this country" I mean The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, which is the official name of the country we British live in. All right, it IS too much of a mouthful to put on an envelope, but the usual abbreviation of "United Kingdom" is fine, as is the usual abbreviation of "U K". I think some of us have been too much influenced by professional so-called sportsmen (and women) who support teams in many of their businesses (sorry - "sports") which are not national UK teams but which purport to represent regions of the UK - eg England, Scotland etc. These last two regions - England and Scotland - have not even existed as any other than regions since the early 18th century when they were both abolished as independent countries by the Act of Union. It therefore seems to me to be an anachronism to put them on an envelope. Are there any other obsolete legal terms, abolished for nearly three hundred years, that we would expect the average, and foreign, postman to understand? I can't think of any! I could go on at much greater length on this topic but you'll all be pleased to know that I won't, as I might get myself into trouble if I become any more political than I have already been! Geoff Nicholson Geoff Nicholson, 57 Manor Park, Concord, Washington, Tyne & Wear NE37 2BU The most experienced Professional Genealogist in Northumberland & Co Durham. Why not let me take the hassle out of your research?