Royal Mail Magna Carta stamps celebrate declarations of rights

Royal Mail is releasing a set of stamps to mark the 800^th anniversary of the signing of the Magna Carta, which features text from landmark bills and declarations from around the world.

The stamps have been designed by Howard Brown and feature illustrations and excerpts from a series of key texts, including the American Bill of Rights, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Magna Carta itself.

Royal Mail worked with the Magna Carta 800^th committee to select the bills and declarations.

As well as reproducing text from the Magna Carta – which was signed by King John on 15 June 1215 – the other stamps mark the 750th anniversary of Simon de Montfort’s Parliament, the Bill of Rights, the American Bill of Rights, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Charter of the Commonwealth.

Sir Robert Worcester, chairman of the Magna Carta 800^th Committee, says: “The relevance of the Magna Carta in the 21st century is that it is the foundation of liberty. I am delighted that Royal Mail has marked this landmark document, and other key bills and declarations it inspired, with these striking stamps. It is fitting that they will be seen by people all around the world.”

Two special postmarks have also been created to mark the Magna Carta’s anniversary, while on 15 June Royal Mail vans in 12 towns that have links to the Magna Carta – including Runnymede, where it was signed – will feature the Magna Carta stamp design.