| Added by |
 Alain Martineau
|
| General Description : | Christmas. Traditions, 6 stamps series the stamps series feature the Glastonbury Thorn on the 12 1/2 and 13p stamps, the Tanad Valley Plygain on the 18p stamp, the Hebrides Tribute on the 22p, the Dewsbury Church Knell on the 31p and the Hereford Boy Bishop on the 34p stamp. The Glastonbury Thorn legend ties in with Christ's death as well as the celebration of his birth. The legend goes that soon after the death of Christ, Joseph of Arimathea came to Britain to spread the message of Christianity. When he traveled there from the Holy Land he brought with him his staff. Being tired from his journey, he lay down to rest. In doing so, he pushed his staff into the ground beside him. When he awoke, he found that the staff had taken root and begun to grow and blossom. It is said he left it there and it has flowered every Christmas and every spring. Supposedly the Queen of England has a sprig of Glastonbury Thorn by her plate at Christmas dinner at Buckinham Palace. |
| Face value | 13 Pence |
| Catalog code (Scott) | 1163 |
| Series | Christmas Customs |
| Stamp colour | Multicoloured |
| Watermark | None |
| Stamp use | Commemorative stamp |
| Issue date | 18/11/1986 |
| Designer | Lynda Gray |
| Print technique | Photogravure |
| Printed by | Harrison & Sons Ltd |
| Perforation | 15x14 1/2 |
| Height | 30.00 mm |
| Width | 41.00 mm |
| Catalog prices | Used stamp $0.35 Unused stamp $0.50 |
