Queen Elizabeth II 25th Anniversary Coronation First Day Cover, Tuvalu postmarked on June 2, 1978.
Tuvalu
Formerly the Ellice Islands, Tuvalu consists of nine coral atolls 2500 miles northeast of Australia. Discovered by John Byron (grandfather of the poet) in 1764, the islands' history was much that of the neighbouring Gilbert Islands, becoming a British protectorate in 1892 when the Pacific was divided among the European Empires. Trading interest was originally in coconut oil for making soap and candles, but soon oil extraction was reserved for Europe, and local industry was reduced to sun drying the nut for export. In 1976 the Polynesian Ellice Islanders voted to become Tuvalu, separate from the Micronesian Gilberts.
These stamps, one of the 'Defender of the Faith' issues, were designed by Gordon Drummond and printed by Format. They depict:
8c — Canterbury Cathedral. The ecclesiastical centre of England since the monastery was founded by St. Augustine, Canterbury's cathedral was rebuilt several times. Much of the finance for the majestic Perpendicular nave came from Pilgrims to Becket's tomb, and from the sale of indulgences.
30c — Salisbury Cathedral. The present building was founded in 1220. Its spire, the highest in England, is, like the tower, in Decorated style. The local bishop, as lord of the manor of Milford, was overlord of the city until his authority was assumed by James I.
40c — Wells Cathedral. This, the first of all-pointed cathedrals, dates from the 12th century, and its West Front with its 300 statues is a renowned example of Early English architecture.
$1.00 — Hereford Cathedral. Exemplifying all architectural styles from Norman to Perpendicular, the cathedral was built in the 11th century to replace one destroyed by the Welsh.
Defender of the Faith
Following the separation of the English church from Rome and the seizure of monastic wealth, Henry VIII began consolidating his power, eliminating all opposition. Bishops Fisher and More, who had helped him write the attack on Luther (earning Henry the title 'Defender of the Faith') were executed. Then after killing two wives for adultery and divorcing another, Henry decreed that his title 'Defender of the Faith' should become hereditary, as it remains today.
