This is how Christmas cards went from unpopular one-off ... and written ‘Xmasse 1843.” “A thousand of the first cards were printed (and hand-coloured). The ones left over were sold by ...

In 1843, a festive tradition was born in Shere. Simon Furber visits the Surrey village to discover who was responsible for the humble Christmas card.

In 1843, many Britons bemoaned the disappearance ... new invention to Victorian senders and receivers, the first Christmas card's design was actually influenced by other, older British holiday ...