Description
The eighth Royal Mail stamp release of 2025 celebrates the history of, and the scientific developments achieved at the Royal Observatory, Greenwich, since the 350th anniversary of its foundation in 1675, all displayed on an exclusive Stuart First Day Cover design.
One of Britain’s oldest institutions, The Royal Observatory, Greenwich, was founded to provide better star charts that would enhance navigation for global trade. Flamsteed House became home to ten successive Astronomers Royal who observed the stars and developed new instruments such as the Airy Transit Circle and Great Equatorial Telescope. Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) was made publicly visible via the Shepherd Gate Clock and its distribution via telegraph signals became an essential part of daily life. Out at sea, Royal Navy surveyors plotted their longitude from Greenwich using chronometers based on John Harrison’s revolutionary marine timekeepers. The widespread use by ships worldwide of charts based on the Greenwich Meridian contributed to the international recognition of Greenwich as Prime Meridian of the world in 1884. The Observatory survived two world wars but was ultimately defeated by London’s polluted skies. Today the historic site welcomes thousands of visitors each year and attracts even more people online with livestream events from the Annie Mauder Austrographic Telescope.
A set of six vertical se-tenant pair special stamps, celebrating the history and scientific developments achieved at the Royal Observatory, Greenwich since its foundation in 1675. This set of stamps features photography of key aspects to the founding of the Royal Observatory and the innovations made there, from Flamsteed House to the Airy Transit Circle Telescope. Designed for stamp collectors and history enthusiasts alike.
Official Release date: Thursday 12th June 2025.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.