On May 2, 1840, the first envelope bearing a Penny Black stamp was sent from the city of London, England. This historic event marked the beginning of a new era in postal history, as the Penny Black stamp was the world's first adhesive postage stamp.

The Penny Black stamp was designed by Sir Rowland Hill and featured a profile of Queen Victoria. It was named for its black color and cost one penny to send a letter weighing up to half an ounce. Prior to the introduction of the Penny Black, postage rates were determined by the distance a letter traveled and were paid by the recipient rather than the sender.

The use of adhesive postage stamps revolutionized the postal system, making it more efficient and accessible to the general population. The Penny Black stamp was widely popular and quickly adopted by other countries, leading to the widespread use of postage stamps around the world.

Today, the Penny Black stamp is considered a valuable collector's item and is highly sought after by philatelists. Its significance in postal history cannot be understated, as it paved the way for the modern postal system we know today.

If you are interested in learning more about the history of postage stamps and the Penny Black in particular, you can visit the Postal Museum website for more information. There, you can explore exhibits and collections related to postal history, including the Penny Black stamp and its impact on the world.

In conclusion, the first envelope bearing a Penny Black stamp was sent on May 2, 1840, from the city of London, England. This event marked a significant milestone in postal history and revolutionized the way mail was sent and delivered. The Penny Black stamp remains a symbol of innovation and progress in the world of postage stamps.

Sign Up