Icons of England
The ICONS project aims to paint a virtual portrait of England through an exploration of everything that we cherish in our culture, from Stonehenge to the humble cup of tea.
You can visit the ICONS Online website at www.icons.org.uk to nominate your own icons and cast votes for or against a list of nominations compiled by the public.
There are many parts of postal heritage that could be considered 'icons'... the Penny Black, the Machin design (the Queen's head on today's stamps, probably the most reproduced portrait in human history), or the pillar box (but which type?). Many of the things which have successfully made it on the list of icons have featured on postage stamps. We have taken a look at some of the successful nominations, and found stamps in our collections that feature, or are linked to them.
Simply click on the images below to find out which icons have featured on British stamps over the years.
ICONS - A Portrait of England has been commissioned by Culture Online, part of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.
Stonehenge
No-one knows how old Stonehenge is, but it is reckoned to be between 4000 to 4500 years old...
Sutton Hoo Helmet
The burial site at Sutton Hoo remains one of England's most important archeological finds...
Tower of London
The Tower of London is one of the most prominant landmarks in England's capital city...
The V Sign
The V sign, originally considered a sign for 'victory', also carries connotations of peace...
Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey is most certainly an icon of England, and has been for over 900 years...
White Cliffs of Dover
The white cliffs of Dover are one of the most easily recognisable features of the English ...
Winnie the Pooh
Winnie the Pooh has become an internationally recognised character and an Icon of England...
York Minster
York Minster is the largest cathedral in England and the largest in the entire Commonwealth...














