In 19th century Britain, the Post Office was a primary holder of many protective financial programs. These programs offered banking services, life insurance services, and annuities to the general public, including to women and children. The Post Office Savings Bank and the Insurance and Annuity Office maintained branches in all cities and in many smaller villages, and these services were widely used at the time.

Circulars, such as the circular shown here by the Annuity Museum, detailed the rates and figures associated with the banking, insurance, and annuity programs offered by the Post Office.