Sir Walter Raleigh, Governor of Jersey, commemorated on Jersey stamps

Sir Walter Raleigh is the subject of a set of six stamps and a Miniature Sheet to be issued by Jersey Post on 5 February 2019. Designed by True North, the stamps illustrate Raleigh’s varied career and positive impacts that his Governorship had on the island of Jersey.

“Sir Walter Raleigh was one of the most important figures of the Elizabethan era,” explains Melanie Gouzinis, Head of Philatelic at Jersey Post. “He was Governor of Jersey from 1600-1603 and it appears he was very much a ‘hands on’ Governor, improving the militia and the Island’s defences, fostering trade and attending sittings of the court. The building of Elizabeth Castle in the bay of St Aubin in the south of the Island commenced 425 years ago, in 1594 and it was Raleigh who named it after Queen Elizabeth I, using the Latin words ‘Fort Isabelle Bellissima’ meaning ‘Elizabeth the most beautiful’. Raleigh also saved the iconic Mont Orgueil on the east coast of Jersey from destruction, famously saying ‘Twere pity to cast it down’.

Each of the six stamps features a striking black and white illustration, reflective of an aspect of Raleigh’s career or association with Jersey, together with words or a quote. An accompanying Miniature Sheet features a portrait of Raleigh against an antique map of the world with the words ‘Soldier, Sailor, Poet, Adventurer & Governor of Jersey’ in the bottom right.

Jersey Post’s Sir Walter Raleigh, Governor of Jersey stamps will be available to buy from all branches of Jersey Post from 5 February 2019. Philatelic stamp products such as Miniature Sheets, First Day Covers and Presentation Packs will be available from the Jersey post offices at Broad Street, St Helier and Rue Des Pres, St Saviour on issue day and can be ordered now at www.jerseystamps.com Alternatively, you can email the Jersey Philatelic Bureau at stamps@jerseypost.com or telephone us on: +44(0) 1534 616717.