Comic book stamps mark Great Fire of London anniversary

The 350th anniversary of the Great Fire of London is being commemorated with a set of six new stamps.

The fire raged across the city from 2 to 5 September 1666, destroying more than 13,000 houses and 87 churches.

The stamps are designed by comic book artist John Higgins, who has used a graphic novel style of illustration.

They feature scenes from the start, spread and aftermath of the Great Fire, using a street map design.

Higgins has contributed to titles such as Judge Dredd and 2000 AD.

Image copyrightROYAL MAIL

Image captionThe fire took hold rapidly after a hot summer in a city where narrow streets divided many wooden buildings

Philip Parker, from Royal Mail, said: "Despite the terrible devastation caused by the Great Fire, it provided the opportunity for the regeneration of large swathes of the city and shaped the London we know today.

"It was the catalyst of the building of iconic landmarks such as St Paul's Cathedral and dozens of parish churches.

"It is fitting that we mark the anniversary of the fire with an innovative set of stamps that re-imagine the events."

Image copyrightROYAL MAIL

Image captionIt was only days after the fire was out that plans to rebuild London were submitted to King Charles II