6 May 1840 Penny Black postage stamp introduced

In 1835 Rowland Hill published a pamphlet entitled ‘Post Office Reform’ which led to various reforms and the introduction of the first postage stamp. On 10 January 1840, the Uniform Penny Post was established throughout the UK, promising the safe, speedy and cheap delivery of letters. From 6 May that year, the postage could be prepaid with the first postage stamp, known as the Penny Black.