Sir Rowland Hill and Birthplace at Kidderminster
Technical Data
| Stamp Set | India '80 International Stamp Exhibition |
|---|---|
| Date of Issue | January 25, 1980 |
| Denomination | Rs. 2 |
| Perforation | comb 13 |
| Printer | Security Printing Press, Nashik |
| Watermark | Large Star and 'INDIA GOVT' (Sh) [Up] |
| Colors | Multicolor |
| Catalog Codes |
Michel IN 812 Stamp Number IN 855 Yvert et Tellier IN 609 Stanley Gibbons IN 958 |
| Themes | Famous people | Men | Philatelic Exhibitions | Postmasters |
Sir Rowland Hill, born on December 3, 1795, in Kidderminster, England, was a remarkable figure whose contributions revolutionized the postal system. Initially focusing on educational issues due to his background as the son of an English schoolmaster, Sir Rowland later expanded his interests to various fields including printing, astronomy, mathematics, and transportation.
His most significant proposal, however, was aimed at reforming the postal service. He advocated for several key reforms: standardizing postage rates regardless of distance, requiring prepayment of postage for all mail, and ensuring that postage rates were low enough to encourage widespread use of the postal service.
Despite facing significant opposition, Sir Rowland’s proposals were eventually implemented, leading to the establishment of the modern postal system in 1840. One of his most enduring legacies is the introduction of the postage stamp, a device he suggested to indicate prepayment of postage.
Sir Rowland Hill passed away on August 27, 1879, in Hampstead, England, and was laid to rest in Westminster Abbey. His visionary ideas and tireless efforts played a pivotal role in shaping the postal systems we rely on today, making him a celebrated figure in the history of communication and transportation.