Stamps mark Cook's Endeavour voyage

Stamps to mark the 250th anniversary of Captain James Cook's departure on the HMB Endeavour are set to be released in the UK.

Captain Cook 250 year memorial stamps

A set of British stamps marking 250 years since Captain Cook set off from the UK are being released. (AAP)

A new set of British stamps are being issued to mark the 250th anniversary of Captain Cook's departure on one of the greatest sea voyages of discovery of all time.

The 10 stamps include original drawings and paintings of indigenous peoples, a chart mapping Endeavour's course across the top of Australia and down its east coast to New Zealand, and flora and fauna that captured the attention of those onboard at the time.

Almost 100 men, including astronomers, artists and scientists, were on board HMB Endeavour when it set off in August 1768.

The vessel returned to the UK in July 1771 after circumnavigating the globe and mapping more than 8,000 kilometres of coastline.

Royal Mail's Philip Parker said: "Our striking new stamps mark the 250th anniversary of one the most important voyages of discovery of all time.

"On board the Endeavour were scientists and artists who recorded their findings and the ship brought back thousands of specimens and illustrations which amazed society."

The stamps, which include an image of Captain Cook, will be available from August 16.


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Source: AAP



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