|
|
Pub Signs
In early medieval times in Britain, most people brewed ale for their own use; if they had a surplus to sell they would put out an alestake (a pole with a sprig of greenery attached) to advertise the fact. However in town, an inn needed a name to distinguish itself from rivals; and since most people were illiterate, the name had also to be represented by an image. Royal associations, heraldic symbols, heroes of the day, religious, military, sports and patriotic themes have all given rise to pub names since 1393, when King Richard II passed an act making it compulsory for alehouses to exhibit a sign.
|
Technical Details
Number of stamps: five
Date of issue: 12 August 2003
Design: Elmwood
Acknowledgements: The Station by Andrew Davidson, courtesy The Artworks; Black Swan by Stanley Chew, courtesy Pauline Chew; The Cross Keys by George Mackenney, courtesy Paul Corballis; The Mayflower by Ralph Gordon Ellis, courtesy Margaret Gowler; The Barley Sheaf by Joy Cooper, courtesy of St Austell Brewery Co. Ltd
Printer: De La Rue Security Print, Byfleet, Surrey KT14 7QU
Process: gravure
Stamp designs © Royal Mail Group plc 2003
Format: portrait
Size: 30mm × 41mm
Perforations: 14 × 15
Number per sheet: 50
Phosphor bars as appropriate
Gum: PVA
Cover design: Morgan Radcliffe
Cover design © Royal Mail Group plc 2003
All rights reserved
Acknowledgements: Cover Andrew Davidson Filler Card Spread Eagle © Mary Evans Picture Library
Words: Ted Bruning
Printer: Perivan White Dove, Southend SS9 5LA
Search this site for first day covers:
|
United Kingdom
Back to Page 7
Jump