Great Britain’s Royal Mail Celebrates British Steam Locomotives

On September 25, Royal Mail issued a set of ten stamps commemorating the 200th anniversary of the Stockton and Darlington Railway Company and celebrating significant British steam locomotives. The main set includes six first-class stamps, priced at £1.70 each, presented in three se-tenant pairs featuring iconic locomotives such as Locomotion No. 1, Rocket, City of Truro, Mallard, Duchess of Hamilton, and Evening Star. Each stamp includes text detailing the name and history of the respective locomotive.

Additionally, a souvenir sheet of four first-class stamps honors the historical significance of the Stockton and Darlington Railway, the first public railway to utilize steam locomotives, which commenced operations on September 27, 1825. These stamps feature artwork related to the railway's opening and notable images, including a photograph of Locomotion No. 1 and a postcard from its centenary in 1925. Royal Mail emphasizes the impact of steam locomotives in advancing the Industrial Revolution by transforming the movement of goods and people across the UK.

The stamps were designed by Steers McGillan Eves and printed by Cartor Security Printers. They come in various formats, including presentation packs and first-day covers. Collectors can find these stamps and related products available for purchase at Royal Mail's online shop. For further details, refer to the original article here.