UK Stamps from Victorian Era to Modern Times

The UK has a rich history of stamp collecting, and the stamps themselves are a fascinating reflection of the country's growth and development. From the Victorian era to modern times, UK stamps have evolved significantly.

One of the earliest UK stamps was introduced in 1840, during the reign of Queen Victoria. This was the Penny Black, featuring a portrait of the Queen. It was the first adhesive postage stamp to be used in the UK.

The Penny Black was a groundbreaking innovation in postal history, making it easier and more affordable for people to send letters. Its introduction marked a significant shift in the way mail was processed and delivered.

In the late 19th century, the UK introduced a range of stamps featuring iconic British landmarks and figures, such as the 1902 Edward VII stamp featuring a portrait of the King.

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The Victorian Era and Early 20th Century were pivotal times for UK stamps, with significant innovations and changes taking place. The first adhesive postage stamp, the Penny Black, was issued in 1840, featuring a portrait of Queen Victoria.

The original black colour was later changed to brick-red due to visibility issues with cancellation marks. The Penny Lilac, first issued in 1881, was one of the most commonly used stamps, with over 33 billion printed in 20 years.

The UK's first commemorative stamps were issued for the British Empire Exhibition in 1924, featuring a lion in an imposing stance. A second set of commemoratives in 1929 marked the 9th Congress of the Universal Postal Union (UPU), held in London that year.

The Penny Black, the world's first adhesive postage stamp, was issued in 1840 by the United Kingdom. It was a black colour, but this proved impractical as cancellation marks were hard to see.

The original Penny Black featured a portrait of Queen Victoria, and this image remained constant on British stamps throughout her reign. Some Commonwealth stamps, however, depicted the monarch inaccurately or unflatteringly.

Over 33 billion Penny Lilac stamps were printed and released to the public between 1881 and 1901, making it one of the most commonly used stamps of the time.

The early 20th century was a time of innovation in British stamp design. The first issue of George V's stamps in 1912 featured a three-quarter portrait, a departure from the standard profile used previously.

The UK's first commemorative stamps were issued for the British Empire Exhibition in 1924. These large-format stamps featured a lion in an imposing stance and were issued twice, with the stamps of each year inscribed with the year of issue.

The George V 1+1⁄2d stamp of 1912 was used as late as 1928 at Wootton Wawen in Warwickshire, showing that some stamps were still in circulation for a long time.

In 1925, a new set of stamps was issued for the British Empire Exhibition, identical to the 1924 set but with the year inscribed as 1925. This was the second time these stamps were issued.

Here are some notable stamps from this period:

The colours of all the low values were changed in 1950, marking a significant shift in British stamp design.

King George V was a significant figure in British history, and his reign had a profound impact on the country's philatelic history. The Postage Stamps of Great Britain, Part 4, The Issues of King George V, published in 1957, provides a comprehensive overview of the stamps issued during his reign.

One of the notable aspects of King George V's reign was the introduction of new stamp designs. The "Mackennals" design, created by Bertram Mackennal, was used on definitives halfpenny and 1d stamps from 1911-12.

King George V's reign also saw the introduction of commemorative stamps. The first commemorative issue was the British Empire Exhibition Postage Stamps, which was released to mark the exhibition held in 1924.

Some of the notable stamps issued during King George V's reign include:

King George V's reign was marked by significant events, and the stamps issued during this period reflect the changing times. The introduction of new designs and commemorative stamps helped to make philately a more exciting and dynamic hobby.

The design of British stamps has undergone some significant changes over the years. A major shift occurred in 1965 when the Postmaster General Tony Benn introduced new criteria for what could appear on stamps.

Commemorative stamps now often feature a small silhouette of the Queen, based on the coinage head of Mary Gillick, which has been the standard since then. This design change allowed for more flexibility and creativity in stamp design.

In 1967, The Red Boy by Sir Thomas Lawrence became the first artwork to appear on a British postage stamp.

Up to the 1950s, British commemorative stamps were few and far between, and most stamps featured the portrait of the reigning monarch as the dominant element.

Commemorative stamps started to appear more often in the 1950s and early 1960s, but the monarch's effigy was still prominent, taking up a quarter to a third of the stamp's design.

In 1965, a change came when the Postmaster General Tony Benn issued new criteria for what could appear on stamps, allowing for more flexibility and creativity.

A small silhouette of the Queen, based on the coinage head of Mary Gillick, became the standard for commemorative stamps in 1965.

The Red Boy by Sir Thomas Lawrence became the first artwork to appear on a British postage stamp in 1967.

Since 1952, stamps have been issued to commemorate many royal occasions, including the Queen's birthday and the deaths of Diana, Princess of Wales and Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother.

Stamps were also issued in 1987 to mark the 150th anniversary of Queen Victoria's accession and in 1997 to mark the 450th anniversary of King Henry VIII's death.

From 2008 to 2011, stamps were issued featuring all of England's kings and queens and the Scottish House of Stewart.

In 2022, new barcoded "definitive design" stamps were introduced, featuring rectangular codes that use a trademarked coding to prevent counterfeiting and enable tracking of letters.

Country definitives were introduced in the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales in 1958, initially known as regional issues.

These issues are only sold at post offices in the respective countries, but the English, Northern Irish, Scottish, and Welsh issues are valid throughout the United Kingdom.

The Channel Islands and Isle of Man now issue their own stamps, which are not valid anywhere else, starting in 1969 and 1973 respectively.

The first England-specific issue was the World Cup – England Winners commemorative stamp in 1966, which marked a significant milestone in stamp design.

You can use postage stamps to mail letters and packages in the UK, but not all stamps are valid for postage. Furfie's study on British Postage Due Mail found that there's a specific type of stamp called a postage due stamp.

To be valid for postage, a stamp must be unused and from the present monarch's reign. This means you can't use stamps from previous monarchs or those that have been used before.

Valid postage stamps display their value in decimal currency and are designated for first or second class postage. This is a key point to keep in mind when selecting stamps for your mail.

Here are the specific requirements for valid postage stamps:

Postage Dues are a fascinating aspect of postal history. Furfie's study, "British Postage Due Mail, 1914–1971", provides valuable insights into the pre-decimal postage due stamps.

Pre-decimal postage due stamps were issued to cover the cost of postage when a letter or package was underpaid. These stamps were used to make up the difference in postage due.

The pre-decimal postage due stamps were valid for use until 1971.

To be valid for postage, a stamp must be unused and feature the current monarch's reign.

The value on the stamp must be displayed as £1 or a multiple of £1, such as £2 or £3. This is a key requirement for a stamp to be considered valid for postage.

The value on the stamp must also be displayed in decimal currency. This is a straightforward rule that ensures clarity and consistency.

Stamps designated for first or second class postage are also valid for use. This is an important consideration for those sending mail, as it affects the speed and cost of delivery.

Here's a quick rundown of the valid stamp characteristics:

The post office has a rich history, with the first postal service in the UK dating back to 1635, when King Charles I established a system for collecting taxes on letters.

The first postage stamps were introduced in the UK in 1840, with the Penny Black featuring a portrait of Queen Victoria.

The Penny Black was a significant innovation, as it allowed people to prepay for postage, making it easier and more convenient to send mail.

The Royal Mail has a long history of issuing commemorative stamps, with the first being the 1847 Penny Red, which featured a portrait of Queen Victoria in a different design.

Today, the Royal Mail continues to issue a wide range of stamps, from definitive stamps to special edition commemoratives, and they can be collected by enthusiasts all over the world.

The postal system has a rich history, and one of the most significant milestones was the introduction of the postage stamp. In 1840, the Penny Black, the world's first adhesive postage stamp, was issued in the United Kingdom.

The Penny Black featured a portrait of Queen Victoria and was a game-changer in the postal industry. It allowed people to send letters without needing to affix a separate postage receipt.

The introduction of the postage stamp revolutionized the way people communicated with each other. No longer did they need to worry about affixing separate postage receipts or paying postage fees at the post office.

The Penny Black was a huge success, and it paved the way for the development of modern postal systems.

Postmarks are an essential part of postal history, and they can be a fascinating area of study.

The history of postmarks in the British Isles dates back to 1840, as documented in John G. Hendy's book "The History of the Postmarks of the British Isles from 1840–1876." This book provides a comprehensive overview of the postmarks used during this period.

Postmarks have been used to identify the location and date of mail, and they have evolved over time to reflect changes in postal systems and technology. In the UK, special event postmarks have been used to commemorate significant events and anniversaries, as detailed in George R. Pearson's book "Special Event Postmarks of the United Kingdom."

If you're interested in collecting British postmarks, there are several resources available to help you get started. The British Postmark Database is a valuable online resource that provides information on postmarks from across the UK.

Here are some key books on British postmarks that you may find useful:

Postal stationery is a fascinating area of study within post office and postal history. Alan Huggins wrote a comprehensive book on the topic, "British Postal Stationery", published in 1971.

The book covers 188 pages of information on the subject. Huggins also co-authored "Collect British Postal Stationery: A Simplified Listing of British Postal Stationery 1840 to 2007", which provides a simplified listing of British postal stationery up to 2007.

This book, published in 2007, is a valuable resource for collectors and historians alike, spanning 151 pages of detailed information.

A first day cover is an envelope bearing postage stamps with a postmark of the first day of their issue.

These special envelopes are often collected by philatelists, who appreciate the unique combination of stamps and postmarks.

A postmark is a mark left on an envelope or package by a postal service to indicate the date and location of its delivery.

First day covers are a great way for collectors to commemorate new stamp issues and get a piece of postal history.

They can be a fun and exciting way to learn about the postal service and its role in our daily lives.

Some UK stamps are VAT free. This is because they're a payment for a postal service that's exempt from VAT.

Stamps from the Isle of Man are also VAT free.

In 1971, the UK introduced a new range of Decimal Currency Machins, including 12 different stamps ranging from 1⁄2p to 9p.

Some notable issues from 1971 include 'Ulster '71' Paintings, featuring 3 stamps released on 16 June, and British Architecture: Modern University Buildings, which showcased 4 stamps on 22 September.

Here are some key issues from 1971:

Other notable issues from 1971 include British Trees (2nd issue), released on 27 February, and Medieval Warriors, which featured 1 issue on 10 July.

King Edward VIII was a significant figure in British history, and his reign had a notable impact on the country's philatelic history. There is a study on the stamps of his reign, titled "King Edward VIII: a study of the stamps of the reign of King Edward VIII", written by A.J. Kirk and published in 1974.

This study is a comprehensive resource for those interested in learning more about the stamps issued during King Edward VIII's reign. It provides detailed information on the various stamps that were released during this time period.

The book is a 31-page publication that offers a thorough examination of the stamps issued during King Edward VIII's brief reign. It is a valuable resource for collectors and historians alike.

A.J. Kirk's study is a notable contribution to the field of philately, and it remains a relevant and important resource for those interested in learning more about King Edward VIII's stamps.

King George VI was featured on a commemorative postage stamp released in 1940 to celebrate 100 years since the release of the Penny Black.

The stamp depicted Queen Victoria together with King George VI, an idea that was originally abandoned due to World War Two but was quickly resumed.

King George VI's reign saw the release of a special stamp in 1945 to commemorate the liberation of the Channel Islands from German occupation.

The Channel Islands' liberation marked a historic moment, and the stamp was also intended to revitalise the tourism sectors of Guernsey and Jersey.

In 1937, a one and a half pence purple-brown postage stamp showed portraits of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, a commemorative issue that predated the Queen's official reign.

Unused Isle of Man stamps are a thing of the past, and if you've got any lying around, you'll want to know what to do with them. UK and Isle of Man stamps of earlier reigns or which have a value expressed in shillings or old pence are no longer valid for postage and are therefore taxable at the standard rate.

If you've got a collection of old Isle of Man stamps, you might be surprised to learn that some of them are no longer usable for postage. This is because they were issued during earlier reigns or have values expressed in outdated currency.

Unused, invalid UK and Isle of Man stamps can be taxed at the standard rate, so it's worth keeping track of them if you're a collector. You might be able to claim a refund or use them for other purposes, like decoration or educational projects.

In 1964, the Royal Mail issued its first commemorative set in an illustrated Presentation Pack, featuring mint stamps, descriptive notes, and protective covering. This was also the first set to include an official Post Office issue illustrated First Day Cover envelope.

The 20th International Geographical Congress took place in London on July 1st, while the Tenth International Botanical Congress was held in Edinburgh on August 5th. The Forth Road Bridge opened on September 4th.

Winston Churchill was commemorated with a special set of stamps, issued on July 8th, featuring a 4d and 1/3 value. Another notable commemoration was the 700th Anniversary of Simon de Montfort's Parliament, marked with a 6d and 2/6 stamp combination.

The Salvation Army Centenary was celebrated with a 3d and 1/6 stamp pair, released on August 9th. Joseph Lister's discovery of antiseptic surgery was commemorated on September 1st with a special set of stamps.

The Commonwealth Arts Festival was also marked with a set of stamps on September 1st. The 25th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain was commemorated with an impressive 8-stamp set, including 4d values as a block of 6, released on September 13th.

The Post Office Tower was opened on October 8th, and commemorated with a special set of stamps. The 20th Anniversary of UNO and International Cooperation Year were marked with a 2-stamp set, released on October 25th.

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Centenary was commemorated on November 15th with a 2-stamp set.

Here's a summary of the notable events and stamp releases in 1964:

In 1971, the UK postal service released a series of stamps to commemorate the introduction of decimal currency.

The Decimal Currency Machins series featured 12 stamps, including denominations such as 1⁄2p, 1p, 1+1⁄2p, and 9p.

The 'Ulster '71' Paintings series consisted of 3 stamps, released on June 16th.

Three stamps were also released for Literary Anniversaries on July 28th.

A small format 10p stamp was added to the Decimal Currency Machins series on August 8th.

The British Anniversaries series featured 3 stamps, released on August 25th.

The British Architecture: Modern University Buildings series consisted of 4 stamps, released on September 22nd.

The Christmas 1971 series featured 3 stamps, released on October 13th.

Here's a list of the Decimal Currency Machins series:

1972 was a notable year for stamp releases. On 16 February, British Polar Explorers (4 stamps) were issued.

The General Anniversaries series was released on 26 April, featuring 3 stamps. This series likely commemorated important events or people.

British Architecture: Village Churches was a 5-stamp series released on 21 June. It's a great example of how stamps can be used to showcase local culture.

Broadcasting Anniversaries (4 stamps) were issued on 13 September. This series likely celebrated milestones in the history of broadcasting.

Christmas 1972 (3 stamps) were released on 18 October, likely featuring festive designs.

The Royal Silver Wedding was commemorated with 2 stamps, issued on 20 November. This was a significant event, as it marked the first issue with "all over" phosphor.

Stamp printing and production is a fascinating process. The British security printer, De La Rue, has been responsible for printing UK stamps since 1990.

The process begins with designing the stamp's artwork, which is then sent to the printer for production. The printer uses a combination of intaglio and offset printing to create the stamp's design and text.

UK stamps are printed on a special type of paper called phosphor-coated paper, which contains a unique phosphor strip that glows under ultraviolet light. This helps to prevent counterfeiting.

Each sheet of stamps contains 50 individual stamps, and the sheets are cut into individual stamps after printing. The stamps are then sorted and packaged for distribution to post offices across the UK.

The production process is highly automated, with machines performing many of the tasks. However, human quality control is still essential to ensure the stamps meet the required standards.