New stamps celebrate the Tower of London

Stamps include images of the Tower and famous prisoners

A special set of stamps have been produced to mark the history of the Tower of London.

The 10 stamps have been made in partnership with Royal Mail and Historic Royal Palaces, who manage the Tower.

A set of six stamps include images of the building, whilst a further set of four stamps depict some of the Tower's famous prisoners.

The stamps are being issued to mark the "myth and legend, ceremony and tradition" of the Tower.

What is the Tower of London?

This stamp features The White Tower

The Tower of London is arguably one of the most famous historical buildings in the world - attracting over 3 million visitors each year!

It has been a secure fortress, a royal palace, an infamous prison and an execution site and has hundreds of years of history.

In the 1070's it was one of the first castles to be built by William, the Conqueror following his successful conquest of England.

Back then castles were used for lots of things, including defending areas from attack, and this is why William built it.

These four stamps depict some of the Tower's famous historic prisoners

Today the Tower is one of the most secure castles in England, and has guarded royal possessions such as the Crown Jewels.

However, the Tower isn't all about royal bling.

Throughout history, Kings and Queens imprisoned their enemies or rivals within it and some were tortured.

Famous historical figures who were imprisoned in the Tower

Over the years many famous historical figures were imprisoned there including people like Anne Boleyn and Guy Fawkes.

But not all prisoners at the Tower were treated the same.

Whilst some were locked in gloomy cells, others were able to move freely around the tower.

Their treatment as a prisoner often depended on their crime and social status - some were even allowed luxuries such as comfortable bedding and servants!

Check out the pictures below to see which of the prisoners made it onto the stamps.

Anne Boleyn

This stamp features Anne Boleyn, one of the Tower's famous historic prisoners. She had a strong connection to the Tower. It was the setting of her coronation, incarceration, execution and burial.

Princes Edward and Richard

The disappearence of the 'Princes in the Tower' is one of the most intriguing historical cases of the tower. They were sons of King Edward IV. After the King's death, the oldest Edward was crowned King, however both boys were sent to live at the Tower and never seen again.

Lady Jane Grey

Lady Jane Grey arrived at the Tower on the 10th July 1553 as Queen, however just nine days later she became a prisoner there. She was just 15-years-old.

Sir Walter Raleigh

Sir Walter Raleigh, one of the Tower's famous historic prisoner, was imprisoned three times in the Tower. He was one of the prisoners given comfortable lodgings - Including his own library and a small garden!