The voyage of the Beagle has been the most important event of my whole life and has determined my whole career.
Charles Darwin
Historic Voyage Commemorated
2009 sees two of the most momentous anniversaries in Scientific history - the 200th anniversary of the birth of Charles Darwin and the 150th Anniversary of the publication of "On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection". We're marking his historic voyage on the HMS Beagle, which brought about his ground-breaking work, with our very own tribute and are really excited to be working officially with the HMS Beagle Project on this cover.
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Ten stamps in total are being issued by Royal Mail on 12th February 2009 - 6 stamps and a 4-stamp miniature sheet - and we're producing two covers to mark both occasions. The stamps cover is postmarked in Lawrenny, Pembrokeshire, where The Beagle Project is based.
Signed Editions
A limited number of covers are being personally signed by Sir Robin Knox-Johnston CBE RD*, one of the world's most amazing sailors.
He achieved the first ever single handed non stop circumnavigation of the world, 312 days alone at sea - and won the Jules Verne Trophy for the fastest circumnavigation of the world - 74 days.
He is also the Patron of the HMS Beagle Project.
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HMS Beagle Project
Darwin wrote, "The voyage of the Beagle has been the most important event of my whole life and has determined my whole career."
Inspired by the great man and his significant work, The HMS Beagle Trust was set up to build a fully-functioning recreation of the original ship which will "sail the world in Darwin's Wake and inspire global audiences through unique public engagement and learning programmes, original scientific research in evolutionary biology, biodiversity and climate change".
It is built of larch plank frames and although a faithful sailing ship rigged as her ancestor was, she will have the modern safety, navigation and communications systems to allow her to sail the oceans safely. Once launched she will follow in the wake of Captain Fitzroy and Charles Darwin on the 1831-36 voyage. She will apply of the tools and techniques of modern science to Darwin’s work, and allow students and scientists the world over to follow the voyage and take part in her science research and education programmes.
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Next Generation
In building a replica HMS Beagle the trust aims to inspire a new generation to discover the oceans under sail, to explore science and the world around them. She will also be a floating celebration of the years when the Royal Navy defended Britain’s shores and trade, and in times of peace sent small ships like Beagle around the world to chart distant shores so that mariners could sail with reliable charts aboard their ships.
Unfortunately she won't be sailing in time to carry the covers, however Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, who is their Patron, has very kindly agreed to sign some of our covers for us to raise funds for the project.
If you are a member of our Silver, Gold or Platinum clubs, this cover will automatically be reserved for you.
It pays to buy Buckingham Stamp covers as soon as they are issued. If you wait, the chances are they will sell out and you'll end up paying more in the future. If you love our covers, we recommend you join one of our Cover Clubs. There are lots of perks and no commitment whatsoever!
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Our Classic Miniature Sheet cover
To mark the great man's 200th birthday, we've also produced this classic miniature sheet cover. Featuring an illustration of The HMS Beagle, the two covers compliment each other perfectly and make a beautiful pair. Our signature for this cover is Round The World Yachtswoman, Dame Ellen MacArthur. Don't miss out - book yours
today!
Quick Facts: Darwin stamps cover is a First-day Cover Issue date (2009-02-12): 12 February 2009
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Buckingham Covers Limited, registered in England No. 03877048 is part of Internet Stamps Group Limited, registered in England No. 03497867. Registered office for both: Warren House, Shearway Rd, Folkestone, Kent CT19 4BF, UK.
Tel. (+44)01303 278 137. Email. betty@buckinghamcovers.com
