Old Coaching Days: Some Incidents in the Life of Moses James Nobbs, the last of the Mail Coach Guards

"Old Coaching Days" by Moses James Nobbs is a personal memoir published in the late 19th century. This book recounts the life experiences and anecdotes of Nobbs, who served as a Mail Coach Guard transitioning into the railway service. The narrative likely reflects the theme of nostalgia for a bygone era, evoking the daily life, challenges, and adventures associated with the mail delivery system of the past. In his memoir, Nobbs shares vivid accounts from his career, beginning in the 1830s as he describes the arduous nature of his duties during severe weather conditions, including heavy snowstorms that often rendered routes impassable. He details various experiences, from navigating dangerous situations during travel to the somber events that transpired, such as accidents and encounters with fatalities. The memoir also juxtaposes the romanticized view of coaching days with the more mundane reality of his service, concluding with reflections on the stark contrast between the past and the burgeoning railway system that replaced the traditional mail coach. Through his eyes, readers gain an insight into the struggles and triumphs of postal service in a changing world.