Royal Mail is celebrating Christmas 2024 with a set of five stamps that feature original illustrations of five cathedrals from around the UK. Featured on the stamps are cathedrals in Edinburgh, Liverpool, Armagh, Bangor and Westminster. Royal Mail worked with Canon Janet Gough, OBE, one of the UK’s foremost experts on cathedrals and church buildings on the stamp issue. They were illustrated by British artist, Judy Joel, whose popular paintings have been sold worldwide over the last 50 years.

A cathedral is the seat of a bishop ( in Latin) and the principal church of the diocese or church administrative area. They bear witness to history and play a key role in the nation’s spiritual, cultural and social life. They are a hugely significant part of the UK’s cultural heritage, provide support to their communities and welcome visitors from all backgrounds. Those entering a cathedral in the UK are likely to be struck by their size and grandeur. They may be intrigued by the architecture and history or moved by their services.