Mythical East Anglian devil dog to feature on new set of stamps

A new set of stamps will be released at the end of this month that will illustrate mythical creatures including one from East Anglia.

A devil dog, that goes by the name Black Shuck, will be one of eight new stamps being featured by the Royal Mail.

The stamps will feature Black Shuck, Beowulf and Grendel, Blodeuwedd, the Loch Ness Monster, Cornish piskies, Fionn mac Cumhaill, a grindylow and a selkie.

The Black Shuck was believed to have prowled the graveyards, execution sites, forests, old trackways and lakes around the coastline and countryside of East Anglia in the 16th century.

The legend around the demon dog began in 1577 when Black Shuck was seen in Bungay where he burst into St Mary’s Church and killed some of the congregation.

David Gold, director of external affairs and policy at Royal Mail, said of the new stamps: “For some parts of the UK, local myths and legends are as much a part of their identity as the local landmarks and architecture.

“These beautifully illustrated stamps celebrate a fascinating aspect of British culture and custom.”

The stamps are available to pre-order and will go on general sale from March 27.