The Virtual GB Album

For the England regionals, Royal Mail returned to symbolic images, but with a twist. All are images of sculptures and are monochrome. The use of a single color may simply reflect the desire to control cost, since it is likely that many more England stamps will be used than those for the other regions, but the end result is an elegant set that combines well with the Machins.

The second-class and first-class stamps feature the Lion of England. The lion has been a symbol of courage, strength, and nobility since the Middle Ages. After it was used as a symbol by King Henry I and King Richard I, known as Richard the Lion-heared because of his courage in battle, it was adopted by the English monarchs and used ever since.

On the first class stamp, the lion is holding the shield of St. George, the patron saint of England. King Edward III of England chose George to be the patron saint for the Knight of the Garter.

The oak tree on the European-rate stamp has been a popular symbol since the 1600s. King Charles II is said to have hidden in an oak tree after a battle in 1651. From 1664 until late in the 19th century, Royal Oak Day was celebrated in honor of the restoration of the monarchy when Charles II was proclaimed king in 1660. Today the oak tree represents strength and endurance in English heraldry.

The 65p airmail stamp pictures the Tudor rose. The rose was developed from the combination of the red rose, representing King Henry VII and the Lancaster family, and the white rose of Elizabeth and the Yorks. The long and bloody rivalry for the throne is known as The Wars of the Roses. The Tudor rose became the universal symbol of the Tudor dynasty and is commonly seen today representing England.