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For almost a thousand years, the Tower of London has been at the heart of British history, inspiring awe, fear and fascination. Over the centuries it 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. Today, the Tower remains a living institution, home to more than 100 people – including the famous Yeoman Warders, or ‘Beefeaters’ – as well as being a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most recognisable historic monuments in the world.
While the Tower was originally built as a fortress and symbol of royal power, it was also a notorious state prison. For more than 800 years, anyone posing a serious threat to national security – from monarchs and priests to lords and commoners – was incarcerated within its walls.
Royal Mail explores the fascinating history and traditions of the Tower of London with a set of six mint stamps and a miniature sheet. The mint stamp set consists of The White Tower, Tower Green and The King’s House, St John’s Chapel, Traitors’ Gate, Yeoman Warders and a Raven of the Tower. The additional set of four stamps included in the Miniature Sheet: Sent to the Tower, looks at famous prisoners during the Tower of London’s time as a formidable state prison: Princes Edward and Richard - the ‘Princes in the Tower’, Anne Boleyn, Lady Jane Grey - the ‘Nine Days’ Queen’ and Sir Walter Raleigh.
A set of six Tower of London Special Stamps, showcasing many of the features and traditions of the famous historic landmark. The stamp set consists of The White Tower, Tower Green and The King’s House, St John’s Chapel, Traitors’ Gate, Yeoman Warders and a Raven of the Tower.
1st Class - The White Tower The White Tower is William the Conqueror’s original castle keep. The onion-shaped roofs on the turrets were added by Henry VIII.
1st Class - Yeoman Warders The Yeoman Warders have been guarding the Tower since Tudor times. Today they take part in ceremonial duties and parades.
£2.00 - Tower Green and The King’s House The original King’s House was probably built by Henry VIII for Anne Boleyn. The present building dates from about 1540, four years after her execution.
£2.00 - Traitors’ Gate Traitors’ Gate is the notorious waterside entrance through which many notable prisoners would have entered the Tower by barge.
£2.50 - St John’s Chapel St John’s Chapel was built as a place of worship for William the Conqueror, although it was not completed until after his death.
£2.50 - A Raven of the Tower The Tower ravens are cared for by the Ravenmaster and fed on a diet of mice, assorted raw meats and biscuits soaked in blood.
