The Castles Definitives was issued on 22 Mar 2005. The stamps featured Queen Elizabeth II next to her castles at Caernarfon in Wales, Carrickfergus in Northern Ireland, Edinburgh in Scotland and Windsor in England.
Some technical explanations here: A stamp in its original state of gum is called a mint stamp. A stamp which has not been used is an unmounted stamp.
For an unmounted mint stamp, the Castles Definitives set shown below will typically cost around £4 (~5.50€) to-date.
This was my first Commonwealth set and I was attracted to the fine design and prints of the castles. This used set was bought in Singapore several years ago at a much lower price.
Some Historic Meanings
Queen Elizabeth II became the Head of the Commonwealth on 6 Feb 1952. The Commonwealth countries include United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Pakistan and Ceylon (Now Sri Lanka). She took over the throne from her father, King George VI.
Caernarfon has a rich history starting from the early Roman and British settlements. The Caernarfon Castle was built by Edward I, King of England. The place is now a major tourist centre.
Carrickfergus Castle was built in 1177 and was once under English control. It is one of the best preserved medieval structures in Northern Ireland.
The site of the Edinburgh Castle was occupied since the late Bronze Age. It is one of the most prominent castles in Great Britain and there were many historical conflicts from the Wars of Scottish Independence (War between Scotland and England) to the Jacobite Rising (Wars to return James VII of Scotland and II of England).
>> This castle is really gorgeous and I truly recommend a visit there. It is one of the castle which I will look forward to visiting again!
Windsor Castle was originally built in the 11th century by William the Conqueror and is the longest-occupied palace in Europe.
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