One of Britain's greatest figures is set to be commemorated in a special set of Royal Mail stamps.
The firm has released eight stamps to mark the 150th anniversary of wartime Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill's birth. It said the collection of stamps capture the 'essence' of his remarkable journey – from his early years as a soldier and statesman to his leadership during World War Two and beyond
Accompanying each stamp are some of Churchill's most famous quotes from articles, books, letters and speeches, offering timeless words of wisdom that continue to inspire. Winston Leonard Spencer Churchill was born at Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire, on November 30 1874. He served as Prime Minister of the UK twice, from 1940 to 1945 - the War years - and from 1951 to 1955.
Churchill was featured on the first British stamp to show a contemporary individual, in July 1965 - he had died earlier that year aged 90. Since then, he has also featured in the following stamp issues: Churchill Centenary, 1974; National Portrait Gallery, 2006; Britain Alone. 2010; and Prime Ministers, 2014.
Of the newest stamp collection, which will be available from November 30, David Gold, director of external affairs and policy said: “One hundred and fifty years after his birth, this stamp issue celebrates the enduring legacy of a leader who shaped the course of history and left an indelible mark on the hearts of the British people.”
Royal Mail worked closely with Allen Packwood, director of the Churchill Archives Centre at Churchill College, University of Cambridge. Speaking about the stamps, he said: “I think Winston Churchill would have been rather pleased to be the subject of these stamps, one hundred and fifty years after his birth. His archive certainly contains no shortage of letters.”
The stamps and a range of collectible products are available to pre-order from today on the Royal Mail website.