New stamps mark 200 years of rail travel

A first-class stamp depicting a metal and wood locomotive attached to a wagon. A sign on the locomotive reads: "Locomotion". Text on the stamp reads: "Locomotion No. 1 opened on the first steam-powered public railway, 1825."Image source, Royal Mail / PA Media
Image caption,

A new set of stamps will celebrate the development of the railway network

  • Published

Royal Mail is to issue a set of stamps celebrating the heritage of British steam locomotives and the development of the UK's railway network.

The 10 stamps feature locomotives that helped shape rail travel in Britain, including Locomotion No. 1, Rocket, Mallard and Evening Star.

The set includes a miniature sheet of four stamps marking 200 years since the opening of the Stockton and Darlington Railway (S&DR).

Royal Mail worked with the National Railway Museum and Darlington Council on the issue, which also features a range of collectibles.

Image gallery 1Skip image gallerySlide 1 of 4, A first class stamp depicts the "Opening of the S&DR, 1825". People stand on the banks of a river looking up at a bridge with a steam train crossing it., A miniature sheet of stamps depicting the Stockton and Darlington Railway will be issued

Royal Mail's director of external affairs and policy David Gold said: "This stamp issue captures the spirit of an era that transformed travel and trade forever."

Mike Crawshaw from Darlington Borough Council, said: "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."

Image gallery 2Skip image gallerySlide 1 of 5, A first-class stamp depicting the yellow rocket pulling a wagon. There are silhouettes of people waving it off in the background. Text on the stamp reads: "Rocket won the Rainhill Trials, helping launch the railway age, 1829.", The new stamps, including one depicting the Rocket, go on sale later this month

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