This document is a Free Front—a piece of postal history from the era before postage stamps (pre-1840). At that time, Members of Parliament and Peers of the Realm (like the Duke of St Albans) had the "franking privilege," allowing them to send letters for free by signing the cover. Here is an evaluation of your item based on the historical details visible: 1. Transcription of the Document The handwriting on the cover reads: • Top line: Maidenhead. September Five 1823 (The place and date of posting). • Signature/Frank: St Albans (The signature of the 8th Duke). • Address: Revd Thos. Seale Cottage Hertford St Albans, Hertfordshire. 2. The Sender: William Beauclerk, 8th Duke of St Albans The signature "St Albans" belongs to William Beauclerk (1766–1825). • Significance: He was the 8th Duke and a descendant of King Charles II and his mistress, Nell Gwyn. • Timing: Your item is dated September 5, 1823. This is historically consistent, as he held the title from 1816 until his death on July 17, 1825. • The Frank: Under postal rules of the time, the franker had to write the full date and the name of the post town where the letter was dropped (Maidenhead) for the free postage to be valid. 3. Postal Markings • Crown Circular Stamp: The red "FREE" stamp featuring a crown is a typical London "Free" mark. It confirms that the postal authorities accepted the Duke's signature as valid for free transit. • Date Stamp: The circular red stamp (often called a "datestamp") confirms the arrival or transit through the London Chief Office on its way to Hertfordshire. 4. Evaluation & Rarity • Historical Interest: This is a classic example of Georgian-era social networking. The recipient, Revd Thomas Seale, was likely a clergyman with a connection to the Duke’s estates or local parish. • Condition: The paper shows typical "foxing" (brown spotting) and some staining, which is common for 200-year-old paper. However, the Duke’s signature and the red "FREE" crown stamp are clear and well-struck. • Value: Most "Free Fronts" from this period for Dukes generally range from $25 to $60 USD (£20–£45) depending on the clarity of the signature and the specific rarity of the postal markings. Because the 8th Duke died shortly after this (1825), letters from his final years are of particular interest to collectors of the Beauclerk family history. Look carefully at the images to form an opinion The shipment will be from UK Lot L-GBian06-26-29, 32, 33