New stamps mark landmark’s history

A special set of stamps is being issued to mark the “myth and legend, ceremony and tradition” of the Tower of London.

Royal Mail has partnered with Historic Royal Palaces, which manages the Tower, to produce 10 stamps that depict images of the history and buildings of the world-famous landmark.

The White Tower, Tower Green, the King’s House, St John’s Chapel, Yeoman Warders, Traitors’ Gate and a raven of the Tower feature on the main set of six stamps.

A further four stamps, presented in a mini set, depict some of the Tower’s famous historic prisoners, including Anne Boleyn, Sir Walter Raleigh, Lady Jane Grey and Princes Edward and Richard, who became known as the “Princes in the Tower”.

David Gold, of Royal Mail, said: “Over the centuries the Tower of London has played many different roles – from impenetrable fortress to royal residence, menagerie of exotic animals to place of execution, Royal Mint to home of the Crown Jewels.

“These stamps celebrate the myth and legend, ceremony and tradition of one of the most famous buildings in the world.”

The Unesco World Heritage Site in the City of London attracts three million visitors a year, according to Historic Royal Palaces.

Built on the orders of William the Conqueror in the 1070s, the Tower was used as a prison for more than 800 years.

Jenny Smyth, licensing manager at Historic Royal Palaces, said: “We are delighted that the Royal Mail have joined our licensing programme to commission the first ever set of stamps depicting the Tower of London.

“With nearly 1,000 years of history to its name, we look forward to sharing the stories of the Tower with an even wider audience.”