Royal Mail today reveal images of five stamps being issued to celebrate Christmas 2024. The stamps feature some of the many spectacular cathedrals in the UK: in Edinburgh, Liverpool, Armagh, Bangor and Westminster.
The stamps were illustrated by Penzance-based, British artist, Judy Joel, whose popular paintings have been sold worldwide over the last 50 years. Royal Mail worked with Canon Janet Gough, OBE, one of the UK’s foremost experts on cathedrals and church buildings on the stamp issue.
Canon Janet Gough, OBE, said:
“These special stamps are a reminder that for centuries past, cathedrals have provided sanctuary, community, joy and wonder at the birth of Christ. And they continue to do so today, standing at the very heart of our cities.
“All the UK’s cathedrals will be open over Christmas, ready to welcome people of all faiths and none. For services, prayer and celebration, to find peace, or to enjoy the splendour of their music, architecture and treasures, visit a cathedral this Christmas!”
David Gold, Director of External Affairs and Policy said:
“Cathedrals are a hugely significant part of our cultural heritage and play an important role in local communities. They also offer space for peaceful reflection and a bit of an escape from the challenges of daily life, which can be especially important at Christmas.”
Christmas is a time of celebration in the midst of winter darkness at all of the United Kingdom's cathedrals. A cathedral is the seat of a bishop (cathedra in Latin) and the principal church of the diocese, or church administrative area. From St Patrick's Cathedral in Armagh, founded by the great Irish saint (originally from Roman Britain) as a monastic community on a hilltop, to Liverpool Cathedral, consecrated a century ago, cathedrals bear witness to history and play a key role in the nation's spiritual, cultural and social life. With candlelight, festive decorations, magnificent architecture, awe-inspiring art and treasures and sublime music and liturgy, cathedrals are wonderful and welcoming places to visit at Christmas.
Stamp-by-stamp
St Mary's Episcopal Cathedral, Edinburgh
St Mary's Episcopal Cathedral, designed by Victorian architect George Gilbert Scott, boldly harks back to upwardly soaring medieval Gothic cathedrals, with its three spires dominating Edinburgh. Consecrated in 1879, St Mary's is the largest cathedral in Scotland today and maintains the tradition of regular choral worship, never more elaborate than at Christmas.
St Patrick's Cathedral, Armagh (Church of Ireland)
The Church of Ireland Cathedral of St Patrick in Armagh traces its origins to a hilltop sanctuary founded by St Patrick, and worship has taken place on this site since the 5th century. At Christmas, the cathedral’s hallowed walls echo with the sound of carols and all find a warm welcome within.
Liverpool Cathedral
Liverpool acquired an immense new cathedral for the 20th century, designed by the young architect Giles Gilbert Scott. Consecrated in 1924, the cathedral was not completed until 1978. In what is often called the ‘people's cathedral', breathtaking heights and a sense of space combine with beautiful craftsmanship.
St Deiniol's Cathedral, Bangor / Cadeirlan Deiniol Sant ym Mangor
Bangor Cathedral stands where St Deiniol established his Celtic monastery in the 6th century. Battered by medieval wars between the princes of Gwynedd and the English kings, the cathedral now celebrates the languages, cultures and landscapes of Wales. Every Sunday and on Christmas Day, Welsh and English coexist in worship and prayer.
Westminster Cathedral, London
Westminster Cathedral is the largest Roman Catholic church in England and Wales and the seat of the Cardinal Archbishop of Westminster. It was designed by John Francis Bentley in a neo-Byzantine style and built between 1895 and 1903. Candlelit Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve ushers in the celebration of the birth of Christ.
The stamps, and a range of collectible products, are available to buy from today (5 November) at www.royalmail.com/christmas2024, by telephone on 03457 641 641 and 7,000 Post Offices across the UK. A Presentation Pack including all five stamps is priced at £10.35.
Last recommended posting dates for Christmas 2024:
For 2nd Class and 2nd Class Signed For, the last recommended posting date is Wednesday 18 December.For 1st Class, 1st Class Signed For and Royal Mail Tracked 48, it’s Friday 20 December.For Royal Mail Tracked 24 the last recommended posting date is Saturday 21 December and for Special Delivery Guaranteed it’s Monday 23 December.
For further information visit here.
Beware scams and counterfeit stamps:
We also want to remind customers to remain extra vigilant during the festive season. Often at this time of year we see an increase in online scam attempts, as fraudsters look for opportunities to steal money and valuable information from people expecting a delivery.
Click here for some helpful tips on how to determine if an email, text message or phone call is from Royal Mail, and how to report anything suspicious.
Royal Mail has launched a stamp scanner to provide extra reassurance to customers who may be unsure about whether a stamp is counterfeit or not. Customers who download the app can use it to check whether it is a known counterfeit, preventing them from inadvertently becoming victims of fraud.