Queen Elizabeth II 25th Anniversary Coronation First Day Cover, Montserrat postmarked on June 2, 1978.
Montserrat
Montserrat is an island of saw-toothed volcanic peaks, hot springs and black sand beaches in the Leeward islands of the Caribbean. Discovered in 1493 by Columbus, who named the island after the towering peaks of a Catalan monastery, Montserrat was colonised in 1632 by Irish settlers. Following then the traditional pattern of sugarcane and slavery, the inhabitants also played their part in winning freedom with the slave revolt of 1776. Electing not to join the British West Indian Federation in 1958 Montserrat remained a Crown Colony.
These stamps, designed by Gordon Drummond and printed by John Waddington of Kirkstall Ltd., are one of the 'Defender of the Faith' issues and depict the following:
40c — St. Paul's Cathedral. This classical Baroque structure, designed by Sir Christopher Wren, was begun in 1675. Architecturally it reflects the new interest in ancient Greece and Rome, and the freedom of thought characteristic of the Renaissance. The dome, symbolising the firmament, is second in size only to that of St. Peter's in Rome.
55c — Chichester Cathedral. Founded when the see was transferred from Selsey in 1075, and Norman and Early English in style, this cathedral is unique in having a separate bell tower. The thick Norman walls show the emphasis on defence put on building by those remembering Viking and Danish raids.
$1.00 — Lincoln Cathedral. The cathedral rises from an elevated site above the city, and is an excellent example of English Gothic, there being no trace of Norman Romanesque even in columns, capitals or bases.
$2.50 — Llandaff Cathedral. Built on the site of a 6th century foundation, Llandaff Cathedral was begun by Bishop Urban in the 12th century, and is an early example of full Gothic architecture. The nearby castle, home of the bishops, was destroyed in 1403 by Owen Glendower in the rebellion against English domination.
Defender of the Faith
The Protestant Reformation was launched by Luther in 1517, when he nailed criticisms of the church to the cathedral door at Wittenburg. In 1521 Henry VIII wrote a treatise against Luther. The Pope was delighted and signed a papal bull naming Henry 'Defender of the Faith'.
