British History
A closer look: the best way to celebrate YOUR Patron Saint this year…
The stories of our Patron Saints are rooted in history, legend, and faith; and yet the annual feast days have evolved to become something of a national celebration year after year.
And last week’s new British Isles 50p release reminded us just how important these symbols of our national identity still are.
Shop the Patron Saints 50p range
Here’s my rundown of the different ways you can still own the sought-after Patron Saints 50p coins:
The Complete Patron Saints Colour BU 50p Set
Featuring all five new 50p coins – St George of England, St Patrick of Ireland, St David of Wales, St Andrew of Scotland and St Helier of issuing country, Jersey – this beautiful set is the collector favourite.
Each coin is struck to a Brilliant Uncirculated finish and features intricate, selective colour application to bring the design to life with nods to each nation’s heritage.
The presentation is limited to just 995 worldwide – that’s more than twice as limited as the standard Brilliant Uncirculated presentation which sold out in a matter of days.
Click here to own the Patron Saints Colour BU 50p Set
The Patron Saints of Great Britain Silver Proof 50p Set
For those looking for something even more exclusive, a set of 4 Silver Proof 50p coins has been issued with a strict worldwide edition limit of just 495.
In true minting mastery, St George, St Patrick, St David and St Andrew have been selectively plated in 24 carat gold, making this a truly stunning way to own these new coins.
Click here to secure your Silver Proof 50p Set
Own a time-sealed 50p celebrating YOUR Patron Saint
And if you want to own a limited edition, time-sealed 50p honouring your Patron Saint exclusively, there are two stunning presentations with official on-the-day postmarks by Royal Mail.
That’s right, the St George, St Patrick and St David Brilliant Uncirculated 50p coins have been paired with a 1st Class Country Definitive Stamp and postmarked with that Saint’s Feast Day in a beautiful cover presentation – each limited to just 500.
And again, for those looking for a more premium time-sealed commemorative – the St George and St Patrick Silver Proof 50p coins have been issued in a DateStamp™ capsule which you can pre-order today.
The World’s First St. George 50p – struck from 5 ounces of pure silver
Now let me finish with the masterpiece.
The Westminster Collection are taking commissions for a special Five Ounce Silver Proof 50p featuring St George of England.
As the face of the UK Sovereign for over 200 years, it’s astonishing that a George and the Dragon 50p didn’t exist before today.
And that’s why the response to the whole range has been remarkable.
Impressively, the 5oz Silver Proof 50p is DOUBLE the diameter of a regular 50p coin and almost 20 times heavier – a true collection centrepiece.
But due to the difficulty in achieving a perfect strike of a coin like this, an edition limit of just 250 has been agreed with the mint. And with commissions already coming in, you won’t have long to secure yours.
Find out more about the St George Silver Proof 5oz 50p
So, whether you’re proud to be English, Irish, Scottish or Welsh, this range celebrates the strength and legacy of each nation individually, and the unique unity of the British Isles as a whole.
Shop the entire Patron Saints range
Celebrating St Andrew’s Day later in the year? Sign up to be kept up to date with St Andrew’s Day commemoratives.
The Legendary Piper of D-Day: Bill Millin’s Story
Before we delve into the extraordinary legacy of Bill Millin, the “Mad Piper” of D-Day, we have a special invitation for our readers. Join us for an exclusive interview with John Millin, son of the legendary piper, as he shares intimate details of his father’s remarkable actions on that fateful day in Normandy.
– WATCH BELOW NOW –
And for those who appreciate the stirring sound of bagpipes, scroll down to see John’s live performance to remember the valour of not only his father but all who served. Don’t miss this captivating tribute to a hero who inspired all the troops around him.
The Unforgettable Sound of Courage
Throughout military history, there are countless stories of bravery, sacrifice, and resilience. Yet, among these tales, the story of Bill Millin stands out for its uniqueness and the sheer audacity of one man’s spirit amidst the chaos of war. Bill Millin, often referred to as the “Mad Piper,” played a pivotal role during World War II, not with a weapon, but with his bagpipes, on the beaches of Normandy.
The Pipes of War
Serving under Lord Lovat, commander of the 1st Special Service Brigade, Millin found himself in a unique position. Despite the British Army’s ban on pipers leading soldiers into combat, Lord Lovat, adhering to Highland tradition, believed in the inspirational power of the bagpipes. And so, on D-Day, Millin landed on Sword Beach, tasked with an incredible mission: to play his pipes amidst the danger and chaos of the invasion.
Braving the Bullets with Bagpipes
As Millin strode up and down Sword Beach, his bagpipes rallied his comrades with tunes such as “Highland Laddie” and “The Road to the Isles,” undeterred by the hail of bullets and explosions around him. Remarkably, he emerged unscathed, with some captured German soldiers later admitting they spared him, believing him to be mad.
A Son’s Tribute: John Millin’s Exclusive Performance
It’s with great privilege that we present this extraordinary tribute. To commemorate this special occasion, John has learned the melodies that his father played and that once echoed over the chaotic shores of Normandy. In a live performance, he honours his father’s bravery and courage.
Thank you, John. We dedicate the Beach Piper coin to the memory of your remarkable father.
The history of the iconic Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace has been the official residence of the British monarch since 1837, including our very own Charles III and Elizabeth II.
It is quite simply one of the most iconic buildings in the world. From state visits to the daily Changing of the Guard, to the annual garden parties and national celebrations; everyone recognises this picturesque building.
But, did you know that Buckingham Palace was initially called Buckingham House?
Read on to explore the history of this great palace, which features on a brand-new UK £5 coin…
Buckingham House – 1761
In 1761, George III purchased Buckingham House for his wife, Queen Charlotte. Close to St James’ Palace, it proved the perfect home for the Queen who gave birth to 14 out of her 15 children there.
But, with the accession of George IV in 1820, he decided that he wanted to reconstruct the house eventually agreeing with his architect to turn it into a palace.
At the time, George IV told parliament that the reconstruction would cost near to £450,000 – that’s about £55 million today!
The house was doubled in size, adding new suites and state rooms, and the facing was curated from Bath stone, echoing a French neo-classical influence.
In fact, the rooms that were designed over 200 years ago stand the same in the current day.
Credit: Royal Collection Trust https://www.rct.uk/collection/922137/buckingham-house-the-east-entrance-front-1819
Queen Victoria – 1837
It wasn’t until 1837, when Queen Victoria ascended the throne, that Buckingham Palace became the official residence of a British monarch.
She was the first monarch to leave from the palace for her coronation, but her marriage to Prince Albert presented some issues. Namely that the palace didn’t have enough nurseries. It therefore went through another construction phase – redesigning some of the inside alongside updating the frontage after soot had ruined it throughout the industrial revolution.
Present Day – 2024
Nowadays, Buckingham Palace is the administrative headquarters of the monarch, as well as the Sovereign’s residence. The palace has 775 rooms, including 19 state rooms, 52 bedrooms and 78 bathrooms.
Every year more than 50,000 people visit as guests for state banquets, lunches, dinners, receptions and garden parties.
Credit: Royal Collection Trust https://www.rct.uk/visit/buckingham-palace
Brand-New UK £5 Coin
To honour the incredible history and sentiment of this incredible British landmark, a brand-new UK £5 coin has been issued.
But stocks are extremely limited, especially of the rare Silver Piedfort edition of which only 800 are available worldwide.
Click here to view the range and secure your memento today >>
