‘Symbol of our democracy’
We are issuing a set of 10 Special Stamps to mark the 150th anniversary of the rebuilding of the Palace of Westminster - one of the most famous buildings in the world and home to the House of Commons and House of Lords.
Six stamps feature views of the iconic exterior and interior of the Palace of Westminster: View from Old Palace Yard; River Thames view; Elizabeth Tower; Commons Chamber; Central Lobby; and Lords Chamber.
A further four stamps, presented in a miniature sheet, show interior views of the spectacular architecture and design of the Palace of Westminster: Norman Porch; Chapel of St Mary Undercroft; St Stephen’s Hall; and Royal Gallery.
The Palace of Westminster in London is one of the most important and recognisable buildings in the world, as acknowledged by its status, together with the nearby Westminster Abbey, as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Since the 11th century, the palace has been at the centre of English and, from 1801, the UK’s monarchical and political life. It has been the setting for many of the dramatic and significant events in the nation’s history, such as the attempt to blow up King James’s Parliament on 5 November 1605, the passing of ground-breaking legislation, such as the Great Reform Act (1832) and the National Health Service Act (1946). It has also been the setting for the state trials of William Wallace, Guy Fawkes and King Charles I, and addresses from major world leaders, including Nelson Mandela.
In 1834, the burning of hundreds of surplus exchequer wooden tally sticks in a furnace under the Lords Chamber, was the starting point for the devastating fire that gutted the medieval, Tudor and later buildings of the old palace. In 1835 a Parliamentary Committee decided that the Palace should be rebuilt.
Although other locations were considered, it was decided to rebuild on the same historic Thames-side site, with significant surviving buildings – the Westminster Hall, Chapel of St Mary Undercroft and St Stephen’s Cloister – to be included within the scheme. A design competition was held and won by the architect Charles Barry, with decorative detail provided by the Gothic Revival architect and designer, Augustus Welby Pugin. Following their deaths, the completion of the project was undertaken by Barry’s son, Edward Barry. Rebuilding of the palace was completed in 1870.
During the Blitz, the palace received several direct hits, and in 1941, the Commons Chamber was destroyed. The new chamber was designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott in a modern, pared-down Gothic Revival style, in places using wood from indigenous trees donated by the nations of the Commonwealth. The highly ornamented exterior and interiors of the new Palace of Westminster stand as testament to the brilliance of British design, artistry, craft and engineering.
Sir Lindsay Hoyle, Speaker of the House of Commons, said: ‘Not only is the Palace of Westminster one of the best-known landmarks in the world, it is a living building – a workplace for MPs, peers and staff, as well as a tourist attraction and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
‘It has survived whatever nature and the ravages of time could throw at it over the last 150 years - and has been at the centre of societal change - so we are very proud to see its beauty and importance reflected in this series of stamps. We look forward to celebrating this important milestone with a range of activities to engage people from across the world.’
Lord Fowler, the Lord Speaker, said: ‘For 150 years, this striking and significant building has been a symbol of our democracy, but also a place of important work as the home of the House of Lords and House of Commons.
‘It has been the setting for debate, discussion and law-making that have shaped our country over many decades and continues to be so today in these unprecedented times. This new set of stamps is a fitting way to commemorate this milestone anniversary in the Palace’s illustrious history.’
Stamp strategy manager, Philip Parker, said: ‘The Palace of Westminster is one of the most recognisable buildings in the world. Our new stamps mark the anniversary of the completion of its rebuilding and celebrate the genius of its Gothic Revival architecture and design.’
The full set of 10 stamps, available in a Presentation Pack, retails at £13.00. The stamps and a range of collectible products are available now to pre-order at www.royalmail.com/palaceofwestminster. The stamps will go on general sale from 30 July 2020.
