United Kingdom commemorative stamps 2010–2019 facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

Commemorative stamps are special postage stamps that celebrate important events, famous people, or interesting topics in the United Kingdom. Unlike regular stamps used every day, these stamps are released for a limited time and often feature unique designs. People collect them because they are beautiful and tell stories about British history and culture. This article looks at the commemorative stamps issued in the UK between 2010 and 2019.

Stamps of 2010
Stamps of 2011
Stamps of 2012
Stamps of 2013
Stamps of 2014
Stamps of 2015
Stamps of 2016
Stamps of 2017
Stamps of 2018
Stamps of 2019
Other Stamp Periods
See also

Stamps of 2010

In 2010, Royal Mail released many exciting stamps. One popular set featured Classic Album Covers, showcasing famous British music albums like Pink Floyd's The Division Bell and The Clash's London Calling. Another set celebrated Girlguiding UK, showing different sections like Rainbows and Guides.

Science was honored with stamps for The Royal Society, featuring great minds like Sir Isaac Newton and Dorothy Hodgkin. Animal lovers enjoyed the Battersea Dogs and Cats Home stamps, which showed adorable pets.

Later in the year, stamps celebrated the London 2010 Festival of Stamps, including designs inspired by old British Empire Exhibition stamps. The Britain Alone set remembered the bravery of people during World War II, with stamps showing Winston Churchill and the Home Guard.

For fans of children's stories, the Winnie-the-Pooh stamps were a delight, showing Pooh and his friends. Christmas stamps that year featured the much-loved characters Wallace and Gromit enjoying festive activities.

Stamps of 2011

The year 2011 brought more fascinating stamp collections. The FAB: The Genius of Gerry Anderson set paid tribute to classic TV shows like Thunderbirds and Captain Scarlet. Train enthusiasts enjoyed the Classic Locomotives of England stamps.

For theatre lovers, there were stamps celebrating popular Musicals like Oliver! and Billy Elliot. A truly magical set, Magical Realms, featured characters from famous fantasy stories, including Dumbledore from Harry Potter and Aslan from The Chronicles of Narnia.

The World Wildlife Fund stamps highlighted endangered animals from around the globe. The Royal Shakespeare Company was honored with stamps showing famous plays and theatres. A special miniature sheet marked The Royal Wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton.

Later, Thomas the Tank Engine and his friends chugged onto stamps. The Crown Jewels set showcased magnificent items like St Edward's Crown. A fun UK A–Z Part 1 series began, featuring landmarks from across the UK, like the Angel of the North and Edinburgh Castle. Christmas stamps in 2011 depicted traditional Nativity scenes.

Stamps of 2012

In 2012, the UK celebrated the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and special stamps were issued to mark this huge event. Children's literature was celebrated with stamps featuring characters from Roald Dahl books, including Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Matilda.

The House of Windsor stamps honored the Royal Family, including Elizabeth II and her predecessors. The World of Comics set brought classic British comic characters to life, from The Dandy to 2000 AD. The centenary of the RMS Titanic' disaster was also remembered with a set of stamps.

The UK A-Z (part 2) series continued, showing more iconic places like Manchester Town Hall and the White Cliffs of Dover. Fashion was in the spotlight with Great British Fashion stamps, featuring designers like Vivienne Westwood and Alexander McQueen.

The Queen's Diamond Jubilee was a major event, and stamps were released to celebrate 60 years of Queen Elizabeth II's reign. Literary fans enjoyed the Charles Dickens stamps, which featured characters like Mr Pickwick and Mr Micawber.

Stamps of 2013

The year 2013 started with a celebration of the 150th anniversary of the London Underground, showing its history and iconic stations. The bicentenary of Jane Austen's novel Pride and Prejudice was also marked.

A very popular set celebrated the 50th anniversary of Doctor Who'! These stamps featured all the Doctors from the First to the Eleventh, plus famous monsters like the Daleks and Cybermans.

Sports fans enjoyed the Football Heroes stamps, which honored legendary players like Bobby Moore and George Best. A set of stamps showed Her Majesty the Queen through six decades of royal portraits.

Nature was highlighted with beautiful Butterflies stamps, showcasing species like the swallowtail and red admiral. After his historic Wimbledon win, special Andy Murray stamps were quickly released.

The British Auto Legends set featured classic cars like the Jaguar E-Type and Aston Martin DB5. Dinosaurs roared onto stamps with a set featuring prehistoric creatures like the Iguanodon and Megalosaurus. Christmas stamps in 2013 featured religious art depicting the Madonna and Child.

Stamps of 2014

In 2014, Royal Mail released stamps celebrating Classic Children's TV, bringing back beloved characters like Paddington Bear, Postman Pat, and Peppa Pig. The Working Horses set showed horses in various roles, from ceremonial duties to forestry work.

The iconic Buckingham Palace was featured on a set of stamps, showing its appearance through different historical periods. Film buffs enjoyed the Great British Film stamps, which celebrated classic movies like Lawrence of Arabia and 2001 A Space Odyssey.

The Glasgow 2014 (XX Commonwealth Games) were commemorated with stamps featuring different sports. The Great War 1914 set marked the start of World War I, with poignant designs including poppies.

Later in the year, Piers Proms and Pavilions: Seaside Architecture stamps showcased beautiful coastal buildings. The British Prime Ministers set honored important leaders like Margaret Thatcher and Winston Churchill. Christmas stamps in 2014 featured festive illustrations.

Stamps of 2015

The year 2015 began with a whimsical set celebrating the 150th anniversary of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland' by Lewis Carroll, featuring characters like the White Rabbit and the Cheshire Cat.

A very important stamp anniversary was marked with The 175th Anniversary of the Penny Black, celebrating the world's first adhesive postage stamp. The First World War series continued, with stamps remembering key moments and figures.

The historic Magna Carta was honored with stamps marking its 800th anniversary, highlighting its importance for human rights. The Battle of Waterloo was also commemorated, showing scenes from the famous battle.

The 75th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain was marked with stamps showing pilots and wartime operations. Nature was celebrated with a set dedicated to Bees, featuring different species.

A special set, HM Queen Elizabeth II – Long To Reign Over Us, celebrated her becoming the longest-reigning British monarch. The 2015 Rugby World Cup was also featured on stamps.

One of the most exciting releases for many was the Star Wars stamps, featuring iconic characters like Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader, as well as famous spaceships. Christmas stamps in 2015 depicted scenes from the Nativity story.

Stamps of 2016

In 2016, stamps honored the incredible journey of Ernest Shackleton and The Endurance Expedition to Antarctica. The Royal Mail 500 set celebrated 500 years of the postal service.

The works of William Shakespeare were featured on stamps, including plays like Hamlet and Romeo and Juliet. A special set marked HM The Queen's 90th Birthday, showing her at different stages of her life.

The Great War 1916 series continued, remembering events like the Battle of Jutland. Music fans rejoiced with stamps dedicated to Pink Floyd, featuring their iconic album covers.

Children's literature was celebrated again with Beatrix Potter stamps, showing beloved characters like Peter Rabbit and Mrs Tiggy-Winkle. The Great Fire of London was commemorated on its 350th anniversary.

Mystery fans enjoyed the Agatha Christie stamps, which featured famous novels by the crime writer. The fun Mr Men and Little Miss characters also appeared on stamps. Christmas stamps in 2016 featured charming festive illustrations.

Stamps of 2017

The year 2017 began with stamps on Ancient Britain, showcasing historical artifacts and sites like the Battersea Shield and Skara Brae Village. Windsor Castle was also featured on a set of stamps.

Music was celebrated with a set dedicated to David Bowie, featuring his iconic album covers and tour images. Racehorse Legends honored famous horses like Frankel and Red Rum.

Nature was highlighted with beautiful Songbirds stamps, showing species like the great tit and nightingale. The Machin Definitive Anniversary celebrated the classic portrait of Queen Elizabeth II used on everyday stamps.

Stamps on Windmills and Watermills showcased these historic structures across the UK. Landmark Buildings featured modern architectural marvels like the Eden Project and the Tate Modern.

The First World War – 1917 Stamp Set continued to remember the conflict. Classic toys from childhood, like the Spacehopper and Sindy doll, appeared on the Classic Toys stamps.

The popular Ladybird Books were celebrated with stamps showing their distinctive covers. Another set of Star Wars stamps was released, featuring characters like Chewbacca and BB-8. Christmas stamps in 2017 featured children's drawings of festive scenes.

Stamps of 2018

In 2018, a highly anticipated set of stamps featured characters from the popular TV series Game of Thrones, including Jon Snow and Daenerys Targaryen. The Votes for Women stamps marked 100 years since some women gained the right to vote, celebrating the Suffragette movement.

The Royal Air Force Centenary was honored with stamps featuring iconic aircraft like the Hurricane and Typhoon, along with a special miniature sheet for the Red Arrows. Reintroduced Species stamps highlighted animals like the osprey and Eurasian beaver that have been brought back to the UK.

Beautiful Owls were featured on a set of stamps. A special miniature sheet marked The Royal Wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. The Royal Academy of Arts was celebrated with stamps showcasing famous artworks.

The classic comedy series Dad's Army brought laughter to stamps, with characters like Captain Mainwaring and Lance Corporal Jones. Hampton Court Palace was featured on stamps, showing its grand architecture and gardens.

The historic Captain Cook Endeavour Voyage was commemorated, showing scenes from his famous journey. The Old Vic theatre was also honored with stamps featuring famous performances. The Great War 1918 series concluded, marking the end of World War I.

Another set of Harry Potter stamps was released, featuring characters like Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley, as well as magical vehicles. Christmas stamps in 2018 featured traditional red pillar boxes. A special stamp marked the Prince of Wales 70th Birthday.

Stamps of 2019

The year 2019 began with Stamp Classics, featuring famous historical British stamps like the Penny Black. The genius of Leonardo da Vinci was celebrated with stamps showcasing his incredible drawings and studies.

Comic book fans were thrilled with the Marvel stamps, featuring superheroes like Spider-Man, Hulk, and Iron Man. Birds of Prey stamps showcased majestic birds like the golden eagle and peregrine falcon.

British Engineering was highlighted with stamps featuring modern innovations like the Raspberry Pi and the MRI Scanner, along with a miniature sheet on the Harrier jet. The Queen Victoria Bicentenary was marked with stamps celebrating her life and legacy.

The historic D-Day landings were commemorated with stamps showing scenes from the invasion. Curious Customs stamps featured unique British traditions like Cheese Rolling and Up Helly Aa.

The beauty of Forests was celebrated, marking 100 years of the Forestry Commission. Music legend Elton John was honored with stamps featuring his album covers and concert performances.

The Royal Navy Ships set showcased famous vessels from the Mary Rose to HMS Queen Elizabeth. For younger fans, The Gruffalo stamps brought the beloved children's book character to life. Christmas stamps in 2019 featured Nativity scenes. The year ended with another set of Star Wars stamps, featuring new characters and vehicles.