It was 1885 when the good folk of Glastonbury noticed their post wasn't being delivered - and nearly all the missing letters were on a route carried out by Albert Bartlett.

And so, the postmaster general set a trap, and filled an envelope with 90 penny stamps , scrawled an address on it and waited to see if it would arrive.

It was never delivered and when Barlett was searched it was found - unopened - in his pocket, along with several other letters.

Bartlett was tried at Somerset Assizes for stealing letters, but when it was pointed out in court that he had not opened the envelope and clearly had no idea what was inside them, it couldn't be classed as theft. In fact, it was suggested, his crime should be that of idleness, not theft, especially since most of the letters was addressed to people in outlying districts and comprised mostly of circulars.

A number of Glastonbury residents also came forward to say that Barlett had always been civil and obliging in their interactions.

For his part, Bartlett told the court the letters had not been delivered because he had been 'in drink'.

Showing a sense of humour, the judge presiding over the case said it was hard to imagine anyone actually wanting to receive more circulars - but he still sentenced Barlett to six months hard labour, saying that Bartlett had failed in his duty as a public officer.