United Kingdom commemorative stamps 2000–2009 facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

Commemorative stamps are special postage stamps that the United Kingdom issues to celebrate important events, famous people, or interesting topics. Unlike regular stamps used for everyday mail, these stamps are often collected by people who enjoy learning about history, culture, and art through stamps.

This article explores the exciting commemorative stamps released in the UK between the years 2000 and 2009. Each year brought new designs, highlighting a wide range of subjects from nature and history to popular culture and royal events.

UK Commemorative Stamps (2000-2009)
Other decades
Acknowledgements
See also

UK Commemorative Stamps (2000-2009)

Stamps from 2000

The year 2000 kicked off with a series of stamps celebrating different aspects of life and the world around us. Themes included "Above and Beyond," "Fire and Light," "Water and Coast," and "Life and Earth." These stamps often came in sets of four, with different values like 2nd class, 1st class, 44p, and 64p.

Other interesting sets from 2000 featured "Art and Craft," "People and Places," and "Stone and Soil." Later in the year, stamps explored "Tree and Leaf," "Mind and Matter," and "Body and Bone." For Christmas, the theme was "Spirit and Faith," and the year ended with "Sound and Vision" stamps. A special miniature sheet was released to celebrate the 100th birthday of Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother.

Stamps from 2001

In 2001, the UK issued stamps on diverse topics. One set, "Rights of the Child - Face Paintings," featured colorful designs by Why Not Associates. Another fun set was "Cats and Dogs," which included ten different 1st class stamps showing various pets.

The "Weather" stamps explored different weather conditions, and a miniature sheet was also available. History was honored with stamps for the "Centenary of Royal Navy Submarine Service." A set of five 1st class stamps and a miniature sheet celebrated the "150th Anniversary of First Double-decker bus" – a true British icon! Other themes included "Fashion Hats," "Europa. Pond Life," and the classic "Punch and Judy Show Puppets." The year also saw stamps marking the "Centenary of Nobel Prizes" and "Christmas Robins."

Stamps from 2002

The year 2002 was special for royal celebrations. Stamps were released for the "Queen's Golden Jubilee," marking 50 years of Queen Elizabeth II's reign. Later, a "Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother Commemoration" set was issued after her passing.

Other exciting stamps included a set of ten 1st class self-adhesive stamps featuring characters from Rudyard Kipling's Just So Stories. The "British Coastlines" series showcased ten different 27p stamps, celebrating the UK's beautiful shores, from Padstow to the White Cliffs of Dover. Fun topics like "Circus" and "World Cup Football" also got their own stamps. Major events like the "17th Commonwealth Games" and the beloved character "Peter Pan" were also featured. The year ended with stamps on "London Bridges," the "150th Anniversary of first pillar box," and "Christmas" designs.

Stamps from 2003

In 2003, stamp themes ranged from nature to history. "Birds of Prey" featured ten different 1st class stamps. A fun set called "Fun Fruit and Vegetables" also had ten 1st class stamps, showing items like strawberries, potatoes, and apples.

"Extreme Endeavours (British Explorers)" honored famous adventurers like Amy Johnson, Ernest Shackleton, and Robert Falcon Scott. The "50th Anniversary of Coronation" was celebrated with ten 1st class stamps. A special set marked the "21st Birthday of Prince William of Wales." Other themes included "A British Journey, Scotland," "Europa, British Pub Signs," and "Classic Transport Toys." The "250th Anniversary of the British Museum" and "Christmas 2003" also had their own stamps. A special miniature sheet celebrated "England's Victory in Rugby World Cup."

Stamps from 2004

The year 2004 brought stamps on various topics, though specific details about the number of stamps or values are not always listed. Themes included "Classic locomotives" and "Ocean Liners," appealing to transport enthusiasts.

Cultural and historical events were also recognized. Stamps were issued for "The Lord of the Rings," "Northern Ireland," and the "Entente Cordiale" (a joint issue with France). Nature was represented by "Woodland Animals." Other notable issues included the "Royal Horticultural Society," "Wales," and the "Royal Society of Arts. Historical events like "Crimea" were also featured, along with the traditional "Christmas 2004" stamps.

Stamps from 2005

In 2005, the UK released stamps on a wide variety of subjects. "Farm Animals" featured ten different first class stamps. "A British Journey: South West England" showcased six stamps, exploring that region. The "150th Death Anniversary of Charlotte Brontë" honored the famous author with six stamps.

Magical stamps celebrated the "Centenary of the Magic Circle" with five designs. A miniature sheet with four stamps marked the "Royal Wedding." "World Heritage Sites" highlighted eight important locations. The "Trooping of the Colour" had six stamps, and the "60th Anniversary of End of the Second World War" was commemorated with five 1st class stamps. "Motorcycles" and "Europa. Gastronomy. Changing Tastes in Britain" were also featured. A special miniature sheet celebrated "London's Successful Bid for 2012 Olympic Games." Other issues included the "50th Anniversary of Independent Television," "Smilers Booklet," "England Ashes Victory," the "Bicentenary of Battle of Trafalgar," and "Christmas. Madonna and Child Paintings."

Stamps from 2006

The year 2006 featured stamps on popular stories and important anniversaries. "Animal Tales" included stamps with beloved characters like Paddington Bear. "A British Journey: England" showcased ten 1st class stamps. The "Birth Centenary of Isambard Kingdom Brunel" honored the famous engineer.

Nature was highlighted with "Ice Age Animals." A special issue marked "Her Majesty The Queen's 80th Birthday." Sports fans enjoyed stamps for the "World Cup Football Championships." "Modern Architecture" featured impressive buildings. The "150th Anniversary of National Portrait Gallery" was celebrated with ten 1st class stamps. The "Victoria Cross" was honored with a set of six stamps and a miniature sheet. "Sounds of Britain" explored different music genres, and "Christmas 2006" featured festive designs like Father Christmas and Snowman.

Stamps from 2007

In 2007, music legends and scientific wonders were celebrated on stamps. "The Beatles" issue featured six stamps with album covers like With the Beatles and Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, plus a miniature sheet with Beatles memorabilia. "Sea Life" showcased ten different 1st class designs of marine creatures like Moon jellyfish and Grey seal.

"The Sky at Night" stamps explored nebulae and space. "World of Invention" highlighted British innovators like Thomas Telford and Tim Berners-Lee. The "Abolition of the Slave Trade" was commemorated with stamps honoring figures like William Wilberforce and Olaudah Equiano. "Celebrating England" featured national symbols. "Beside the Seaside" brought cheerful designs of Ice cream cones and Sandcastles. "Wembley" also had a miniature sheet.

Other issues included "The Machine Definitive," "Grand Prix" cars, and the incredibly popular "Harry Potter" stamps, which featured book covers and Hogwarts house crests. "Scouts" celebrated the youth movement. "Birds" showcased ten different 1st class designs of British birds. "British Army Uniforms" displayed historical uniforms. "HM The Queen's Diamond Wedding Anniversary" marked a special royal milestone. "Christmas 2007" featured angels and classic "Madonna and Child" paintings. Finally, "Lest We Forget 2007 - Passchendaele" included a poppy design.

Stamps from 2008

The year 2008 brought stamps on thrilling books and helpful animals. "Ian Fleming's James Bond book covers" featured six stamps with iconic designs from novels like Casino Royale and Dr. No. "Working Dogs" showcased different types of assistance animals, from Assistance dogs to Guide Dogs.

Historical themes included "The Houses of Lancaster and York," exploring the English royal families, and "Celebrating Northern Ireland," featuring landmarks like Giant's Causeway. "Mayday - Rescue at Sea" honored brave rescue services. "Insects" featured ten different 1st class stamps of various bugs. "Cathedrals" highlighted famous UK cathedrals like Lichfield Cathedral and St Paul's Cathedral.

Fun stamps celebrated "Classic Carry On and Hammer Films" with designs from famous movies. "Airshows" featured impressive aircraft like The Red Arrows. The "Olympic Games (The Handover)" marked the transition from Beijing to London. "Royal Air Force Uniforms" showcased historical RAF attire. The "50th Anniversary of Country Definitives" was also noted. "Women of Distinction" honored important women like Millicent Garrett Fawcett and Barbara Castle. "Christmas 2008: Pantomimes" featured characters like Aladdin's Genie and Ugly sisters. "Lest We Forget 2008" continued the remembrance theme.

Stamps from 2009

The final year in this decade, 2009, celebrated iconic British designs and important anniversaries. "British Design Classics" featured ten 1st class stamps showcasing famous items like the Supermarine Spitfire, the Mini Skirt, the Mini car, and the K2 telephone box.

Important birthdays were also recognized: the "250th Anniversary Birth of Robert Burns" (the famous Scottish poet) and the "200th Anniversary Birth of Charles Darwin" (the scientist known for his ideas on evolution). "Celebrating Wales" also had a miniature sheet.

Other themes included "Pioneers of the Industrial Revolution," "Kings & Queens Part 2 (Tudors)" (a historical series), and "Endangered Plants & 250th Anniversary of Kew Gardens" (highlighting nature and a famous garden). "Mythical Creatures" brought fantasy to stamps. "Olympic Disciplines" featured various sports. "Post boxes" and "Fire Brigade" showcased everyday heroes and objects. "Royal Navy Uniforms" displayed naval attire. "Eminent Britons" honored ten important people like Fred Perry and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. "Olympic & Paralympic Games" had a large set of twenty stamps. The year concluded with "Christmas - The Nativity Story as depicted on church stained glass."

Other decades

Acknowledgements

Stanley Gibbons
Concise Stamp Catalogue
Gibbons Stamp Monthly
Royal Mail Stamp Guide
Royal Mail British Philatelic Bulletin