500th Anniversary of the Coronation of Henry VIII

To commemorate the 500th anniversary of the coronation of ‘Bluff King Hal’ Guernsey Post commissioned a fabulous series of paper sculptures created by talented artist Gail Armstrong.

Each sculpture; perfect in every diminutive detail, was then photographed to create a unique series of stamps, which all depict a key highlight in Henry’s dynamic life and reign.

Born at Grenwich Palace in 1491 the second son of Henry VII and Elizabeth of York, Henry VIII came to the throne in 1509, just weeks after his marriage to Katherine of Aragon.

The set includes stamps featuring a young Henry surrounded by objects which portray his favoured pastimes; his coronation alongside his first wife Katherine of Aragon and Henry and Francis I as they meet on the ‘Field of the Cloth of Gold;’ a fortnight of jousting, wrestling and dancing this was the most magnificent European summit ever held.

Date of issue
30 July 2009

Designer
Gail Armstrong

Printer
BDT International

Value
36p, 43p, 51p, 54p, 56p, 77p

Process
Offset Lithography

Stamp size
36mm deep x 36mm wide

Paper
110 gsm unwatermarked PVA adhesive

Perforation
3.5

Sheet
10

Cylinder
A