United Kingdom

Ascension Island

Ascension Island, a remote volcanic island in the South Atlantic, is part of the British Overseas Territory of Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha. Discovered by the Portuguese in 1501, it was uninhabited until the British established a garrison in 1815 to prevent Napoleon’s escape from nearby Saint Helena. During World War II, it served as a key Allied air and naval base, and later as a vital communications hub for NASA’s Apollo missions. Today, it is known for its unique wildlife, including nesting green turtles, and landmarks such as Green Mountain National Park and Wideawake Airfield. The island has no indigenous population; residents are mostly temporary workers.

Ascension island

Ascension island stamp postmark

London, the capital of the United Kingdom

London, the capital of the United Kingdom, was founded by the Romans in 43 AD as Londinium, it grew into a major trading hub and became the capital of England in the 11th century. The city is renowned for its historical landmarks such as Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Tower of London, and Big Ben — all pictured on this postcard. Fun facts: London hosted the Olympic Games three times (1908, 1948, 2012), and it has world’s oldest metro system, opening in 1863.

UK London postcard

UK stamp postmark

Tristan da Cunha

Tristan da Cunha, a remote volcanic archipelago in the South Atlantic Ocean, is part of the British Overseas Territory of Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha. Discovered by Portuguese explorer Tristão da Cunha in 1506, it was settled by Britons in the early 19th century and annexed by the UK in 1816 to prevent French use during the Napoleonic Wars. Its only settlement, Edinburgh of the Seven Seas, is known as the world’s most isolated inhabited place. Fishing, especially lobster, sustains its economy. There’s no airport—access, you can get there only by a 6-day boat journey from South Africa. But then there’s that “by Air Mail” sticker : )

Tristan Da Cunha postcard

Tristan Da Cunha stamp

Tristan Da Cunha stamp postmark

Saint Helena Island, Napoleon Bonaparte’s final resting place

Saint Helena is a remote volcanic island in the South Atlantic Ocean, best known as the place of Napoleon Bonaparte’s exile and death from 1815 to 1821. Discovered by the Portuguese in 1502 and later controlled by the British, it served as a vital stopover for ships sailing to Asia and South Africa. Today, it is a British Overseas Territory, UK’s second-oldest overseas territory after Bermuda. Its capital is Jamestown.

On this postcard: Prince’s Lodge – the oldest country property in St Helena, built in 1808 AD. Interesting, that it appears to be for sale at the moment, for £720,000!

St Helena postcard

St Helena stamps postmark

St Helena envelope

South Georgia Island

South Georgia Island, a remote British Overseas Territory in the South Atlantic, was discovered in 1675 and claimed by Britain in 1775. It played a key role in early Antarctic exploration and the whaling industry. South Georgia is known for its massive penguin colonies, seals, glaciers, and as a haven for scientists, adventurers, and nature lovers. King Edward Point is a British research station located on South Georgia Island. It was established in 1909 and named after King Edward VII.

South Georgia Island postcard

South Georgia Island stamp postmark

Pitcairn Island

Pitcairn Island, a remote British Overseas Territory in the South Pacific, is best known as the refuge of the HMS Bounty mutineers in 1790. With a population of fewer than 50 people, it is one of the world’s least populated jurisdictions. The island features rugged cliffs, volcanic landscapes, and rich marine biodiversity. Adamstown, the only settlement, retains a unique blend of Polynesian and British heritage. Notable sites include the Bounty’s anchor and Christian’s Cave. Pitcairn is known for its isolation, history, and rare cultural continuity from its mutineer founders.

Pitcairn Island postcard

On this postcard, clockwise from top left: “Bounty” Bible – Polynesian petroglyphs Down Rope – Graves of John Adams (“Bounty” mutineer), his wife Teio and daughter Hannah – Bounty anchor outside the Courthouse in the Square.

Pitcairn Island cover stamp postmark

Pitcairn Island stamps

I received this postcard in a nice envelope.