What Is a Postage Stamp? History and Guide

A postage stamp is a small printed label, bought from a post office or authorised seller, that is applied to mail to show postage has been paid. Stamps have been used in the UK since 1840, when the Penny Black and Two Pence Blue were introduced as part of Sir Rowland Hill’s postal reforms. A UK stamp typically shows the reigning monarch, the stamp’s value and perforation holes.

What Is a Stamp?

A stamp, also referred to as a postage stamp, is the traditional way of sending mail around the UK. Stamps have been used as a sign of paid postage since 1840, when the Penny Black and Two Pence Blue were released. They are typically purchased and displayed on an item of mail in the top right corner. To get a stamp to send your mail, you buy one from your local post office or another authorised seller and then apply it to your mail item. A UK stamp consists of an image of the current reigning monarch, the value of the stamp and perforation holes.

The History of the Stamp

The invention of the stamp in 1840 came about through the reform of the UK postal system. That system was reformed successfully by Sir Rowland Hill, and ever since, this method of postage has been used to send mail. Other countries soon followed the UK’s example with their own stamps, and to this day the UK remains the only country that does not put its country name on them.

Before the invention of the stamp, ink and wooden hand-stamps were commonly used to mark mail. The UK postal reform removed the use of the old-fashioned ink method and helped change the way mail was sent around the world.

Stamp Prices

Royal Mail reviews stamp and postage prices periodically. For current stamp prices, please refer to the latest Royal Mail price guidance. (Current price: [FACT NEEDED])

Save Money With a Franking Machine

If you would like to save money on your postage costs, you should consider a franking machine, as franked mail is charged at a lower rate than the equivalent stamp. Here at Mailcoms we have a whole range of franking machines, and we can give you a franking machine quote here.

Frequently Asked Questions

When were postage stamps first used in the UK?

The first UK postage stamps, the Penny Black and Two Pence Blue, were introduced in 1840 as part of Sir Rowland Hill’s postal reforms.

What is shown on a UK stamp?

A UK stamp typically shows an image of the current reigning monarch, the value of the stamp and perforation holes. The UK is the only country that does not print its country name on its stamps.

Is a franking machine cheaper than stamps?

Yes. Franked mail is charged at a lower rate than the equivalent stamp, so a franking machine can reduce your postage costs. Contact Mailcoms for a franking machine quote.