Royal Mail releases special Stockton and Darlington Railway stamps

A sheet of four stamps will be issued, marking 200 years since the opening of the S&DR. They will be available to pre-order from today (Thursday, September 18) and go on sale from September 25.

The Royal Mail said it worked closely with the National Railway Museum and Darlington Council on the stamps.

Mike Crawshaw, from Darlington Borough Council, said: “We are truly honoured and thrilled with these commemorative stamps that celebrate the importance of the Stockton and Darlington Railway.”

New stamps track the railway throughout history.(Image: Royal Mail)

The release mirrors the 150th anniversary celebrations, which were also marked with a special collection of stamps.

The 1975 stamps also prominently featured Stephenson’s Locomotion alongside various trains throughout the ages, with the at-the-time modern 1975 British rail Inter-City high speed train depicted.

The 150th anniversary in 1975 was also celebrated by a special stamp release.(Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

“They beautifully capture the spirit and significance of the S&DR and Locomotion No. 1, and we’re proud to see this moment celebrated in such a meaningful and lasting way,” Mr Crankshaw said.

David Gold from Royal Mail added: “This stamp issue captures the spirit of an era that transformed travel and trade forever.”

It will join a set of 10 stamps featuring locomotives that helped shape the history of rail travel in Britain, including Locomotion No. 1, Rocket, Mallard and Evening Star.

Craig Bentley, director at the National Railway Museum, said: “We are delighted to have collaborated with Royal Mail to develop this special set of stamps with images of these iconic steam locomotives, and to share with the nation in this celebration of railway history.”