Royal Mail Special Stamps mark 150th anniversary of the birth of Sir Winston Churchill

Royal Mail today revealed a set of eight stamps being issued to mark the 150th anniversary of the birth of one of Britain's most iconic figures, Sir Winston Churchill.

The stamps celebrate the life and legacy of the man who led the nation through its darkest hours and captures the essence of Churchill's remarkable journey - from his early years as a soldier and statesman to his leadership during the Second World War and beyond.

Each stamp in the collection features carefully chosen photographs of Churchill at defining moments in his life, accompanied by some of his most memorable quotes from articles, books, letters and speeches.

These words continue to inspire and resonate, embodying the strength, determination and wit for which Churchill is renowned.

In July 1965, Winston Churchill featured on the first British stamp to feature a contemporary individual. Since then, he has also featured in the following stamp issues: Churchill Centenary, 1974; National Portrait Gallery, 2006; Britain Alone. 2010; and Prime Ministers, 2014.

David Gold, Director of External Affairs and Policy said: "One hundred and fifty years after his birth, this stamp issue celebrates the enduring legacy of a leader who shaped the course of history and left an indelible mark on the hearts of the British people."

Royal Mail worked closely with Allen Packwood, Director of the Churchill Archives Centre at Churchill College, University of Cambridge. Speaking about the stamps, he said: "I think Winston Churchill would have been rather pleased to be the subject of these stamps, one hundred and fifty years after his birth. His archive certainly contains no shortage of letters."

WINSTON CHURCHILL:
Winston Leonard Spencer Churchill was born at Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire, on 30 November 1874.

Following an early career in the army in the 1890s, he made his first attempts in politics. However, after failing to be elected as a Member of Parliament in 1899, he travelled to South Africa as a war correspondent to cover the conflict between the British Empire and the Boer Republics. His capture and daring escape made his name and saw him elected the following year. He would become a Cabinet Minister in 1908, aged 33. In the same year, he married Clementine Hozier, entering a lifelong union.

His initial political rise stalled during the First World War, when he lost office over his advocacy for the unsuccessful Dardanelles campaign. His response was to take up painting and to serve for a brief period as a commander on the Western Front. By the end of the conflict, he was back in government, taking up a succession of high-profile Cabinet positions. By the 1930s, however, he had become alienated over his opposition to Indian independence and his views on empire. Yet, his warnings about the dangers of a resurgent Nazi Germany gradually restored his reputation and raised his profile.

When war came in September 1939, Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain made him First Lord of the Admiralty, only for Churchill to be propelled into 10 Downing Street the following May. While Churchill promised 'victory' in his inaugural speech to the House of Commons, the first weeks of his premiership were marked by military disaster, culminating in the evacuation of Allied forces from Dunkirk. With the country facing possible invasion, it fell to Churchill to rally his government and the nation. He is now remembered for several key speeches and broadcasts that have assumed an iconic status.

Churchill was defeated in the 1945 general election but used his stature on the international stage to warn of an 'iron curtain' descending across Europe. He argued for a 'special relationship' with the United States, but also urged reconciliation between France and Germany. Back as Prime Minister in 1951, his government presided over the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.

Churchill left office in April 1955, his health failing. A slow decline ensued and his death, aged 90, on 24 January 1965, was followed by a state funeral. His long life witnessed huge changes and he played a role in many of them, participating in events but also writing about them. He remains one of the most important figures of the 20th century.

The stamps and a range of collectible products are available to pre-order from today (20 November) at www.royalmail.com/churchill and by telephone on 03457 641641. They go on general sale on 30 November.