The History of Alderney Harbour

For immediate release - 31 October 2012  

Guernsey Post announces the release today of a set of stamps which highlight the history of Alderney Harbour, which has been the setting for some formidable feats of maritime engineering.

Perhaps the greatest achievement is the 2,700 feet long Breakwater, depicted in the 52p stamp, which was built by the British Admiralty between 1847 and 1864 to help defend against the threatened invasion of Napoleon. Also highlighted is Douglas Quay at Braye Harbour (39p stamp) before the Breakwater was constructed.

"Constructing the Breakwater was a huge undertaking, as the sea conditions in Alderney are frequently severe," explained Bridget Yabsley, philatelic marketing co-ordinator at Guernsey Post. "Cottages were built to house the stonemasons, engineers, craftsmen and labourers that were shipped over, as well as forts for garrisoned troops."

Some of the materials needed to be imported and Little Crabby Harbour (the 'inner harbour'), depicted on the 59p stamp, was built to accommodate the tipping (hopper) barges and steam boats.

The Breakwater development created a booming quarrying industry and, in 1897, the Commercial Quay was opened.  In 2011, a multi-million pound refurbishment of the Quay was completed, as shown on the 74p stamp. 

Completing the set are images of a courier vessel in c.1926 (53p stamp) and more recently, an RNLI lifeboat depicted off the coast of Corbelets Bay (69p stamp).

-end release-

Press enquiries to:
Sarah Amies, pr consultant, 01484 687040/07811 133973
Bridget Yabsley, Philatelic Marketing Co-ordinator, 01481 754609

Stamp specification details:-
Date of Issue: 31 October 2012
Designer: Richard Thompson
Printer: BDT International
Values: 39p, 52p, 53p, 59p, 69p, 74p
Process: Offset Lithography
Stamp Size: 30.56mm deep x 38mm wide
Sheet size: 100mm deep x 140mm wide
Paper: 110gsm unwatermarked/ PVA Adhesive
Perforation: 13.75
Cylinder: A