Due May 2010. This ever-popular Stanley Gibbons Great Britain Concise Catalogue provides the perfect catalogue for the collector seeking more detailed information on Great Britain stamps than provided by the Collect British Stamps checklist, without the highly detailed coverage of the five-volume specialised series. (read more)

published April 22nd, 2010

House of Stuarts; Release Date 16th June 2010 

Royal Mail is proud to announce The House of Stuart, the fourth part in the Kings and Queens series. The Stuart monarchs reigned through more than a century of turmoil, during which sweeping changes occurred to both the monarchy and the nation, making for an exciting and compelling issue.

Their story is told through First Day Covers for both the Mint Stamps and the Miniature Sheet, (read more)

published April 18th, 2010

published April 17th, 2010

The World’s Most Famous Stamp shop and commonly referred to as the biggest philatelic shop in the world has undergone refurbishment this year.

399 Strand, the home of stamp and collectibles dealers Stanley Gibbons, is undergoing a complete refurbishment of its world famous shop in time for the London 2010 International Stamp Exhibition being held in May. (read more)

published April 15th, 2010

As Royal Mail’s contribution to the International Year of Biodiversity in 2010, our Action for Species series continues with Mammals, which features ten of our most engaging yet endangered indigenous mammals. From the giant Sperm Whale to the tiny Dormouse, each of these species has to contend with dangers caused by man’s continuing incursions into their natural habitats, as well as from predation by non-native species. (read more)

published April 12th, 2010

The 8-day London 2010 International Stamp Exhibition will feature the finest competitive exhibits from collectors around the world, plus stamp dealers, auctioneers and postal administrations, including a major presence from Royal Mail.  This show takes place in London just once every ten years and is not to be missed by enthusiasts! (read more)

published March 16th, 2010

The Penny Black was the world’s first adhesive postage stamp used in a public postal system. It was issued by the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland on 1 May, 1840, for use from 6 May of that year. All London post offices received official issues of the new stamps but other offices throughout the United Kingdom did not, continuing to accept postage payments in cash only for a period. Post offices such as those in Bath, began offering the stamp unofficially after 2 May.

History

The idea of an adhesive stamp to indicate pre-payment of postage was part of Sir Rowland Hill’s 1837 proposals to reform the British postal system; it was normal then for the recipient to pay postage on delivery. A companion idea, which Hill disclosed on 13 February 1837 at a government enquiry, was that of a separate sheet that folded to form an enclosure or envelope for carrying letters.

At that time postage was charged by the sheet and (read more)

published February 27th, 2010

The Royal Mail has introduced stamps that are tamper-proof to stop them being reused. The stamps have two strips, one either side of the Queen’s head, which are left on the envelope when the stamp is peeled away. They also have “Royal Mail” printed on them. Although stamps are franked at the sorting office, the markings on reused ones are not always picked up by staff. (read more)

published February 25th, 2010

Battersea aims never to turn away a dog or cat in need of help; which is why it takes in 12,000 lost and homeless pets every year. So we are proud to mark the 150th Anniversary of Battersea Dogs & Cats Home with this special issue featuring some of the adorable creatures that this wonderful institution has rescued and rehomed.

All ten of the Special Stamps in the issue featuring delightful four-legged friends and brought to you in perfect, unmarked condition… (read more)

published February 20th, 2010