Postage stamps are first introduced in the…

Postage stamps are first introduced in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland in May 1840 as part of the postal reforms promoted by Rowland Hill.

With its introduction, the postage fee is now to be paid by the sender and not the recipient as heretofore, though sending mail prepaid is not a requirement.

The first postage stamp, the Penny Black, first issued on the 1st of May for use from May 6, and two days later, the Two pence blue, with an engraving of the young Queen Victoria, are an immediate success, though refinements, like perforations, will be instituted with later issues.