Royal Mail has unveiled a stunning new set of 10 commemorative stamps to mark the 350th anniversary of the Royal Observatory Greenwich, founded in 1675 by King Charles II. The release honours the site’s remarkable legacy in astronomy, navigation, and timekeeping.
Six Stamps Highlight Key Scientific Instruments
The main set of six stamps showcases landmark instruments and locations within the observatory, including:
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Airy Transit Circle Telescope
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Flamsteed House
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Great Equatorial Telescope – the largest refracting telescope in the UK
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Annie Maunder Astrographic Telescope
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Prime Meridian
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Shepherd Gate Clock
These stamps celebrate the observatory’s continued contribution to astronomical research and global timekeeping.
“We are proud to honour the Royal Observatory’s 350th anniversary with a set of stamps that celebrate its enduring legacy in advancing our understanding of the universe,” said David Gold, Royal Mail’s Director of External Affairs and Policy.
Four Stamps Commemorate John Harrison’s Timekeepers
A second mini-set of four stamps pays tribute to John Harrison, the revolutionary clockmaker whose marine timekeepers solved the longitude problem at sea. The stamps display:
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Harrison’s four prototypes of marine chronometers, which helped transform maritime navigation
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A nod to the 250th anniversary of his death in 2026
Celebrating Scientific Heritage
The stamp designs illustrate the pivotal role of the Royal Observatory Greenwich in shaping modern science, from tracking celestial movements to defining Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).
“We are delighted to have partnered with Royal Mail to celebrate six key moments in the 350-year history of the Royal Observatory,” said Dr Louise Devoy, Senior Curator at the Royal Observatory.
Pre-Order and Release Date
The stamps and a full range of collectible products are available to pre-order now, ahead of their official release on 12 June 2025 via the Royal Mail website and select post offices.
