The 350th anniversary of the Great Fire of London has been commemorated in a new six-stamp set issued by Royal Mail.
This infamous blaze, which raged across London from Sept. 2-5, 1666, destroyed more than 13,000 houses and 87 churches. The event is an integral part of British history as well as the country’s curriculum.
The recently revealed stamps, designed by comic book artist John Higgins, re-tells the infamous story in a graphic novel style, evoking the tragedy of the times while also ensuring a high degree of historical accuracy. They depict scenes from the beginning, spread and aftermath of the Great Fire using a street map design.
The stamps were designed by comic book artist John Higgins.
“Despite the terrible devastation caused by the Great Fire, it provided the opportunity for the regeneration of large swathes of the city and shaped the London we know today,” said Philip Parker, Royal Mail stamp strategy manager, to BBC News. “It was the catalyst of the building of iconic landmarks such as St Paul’s Cathedral and dozens of parish churches.”
Parker added: “It is fitting that we mark the anniversary of the fire with an innovative set of stamps that re-imagine the events.”