Spear Museum of Philatelic History
Museum of the Royal Philatelic Society London on the history of stamp collecting, visited by appointment in the City of London.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The museum belongs to the Royal Philatelic Society London, which was founded in 1869 by a small group of friends and describes itself as the oldest and largest philatelic society in the world. Its museum and archives were renamed the Museum of Philatelic History in 2017, and since 2020 it carries the name of the Spear Charitable Trust, which supported the society’s fundraising appeal.
In 2019 the society moved into its present headquarters at 15 Abchurch Lane in the City of London. The museum there shows the development of philately and the story of the society from its first meeting to the present day.
The collection holds a wide range of philatelic objects, organised around topics such as exhibiting, fakes and forgers, and women in philately. It also collects items that show how members took part in the society and how individual collectors pursued the hobby.
Highlights
- History of the world’s oldest philatelic society
- Fakes and forgers in philately
- Women in philately
- Objects from members’ collecting life
Permanent exhibition
- Museum of Philatelic History – Displays on the development of philately and the history of the Royal Philatelic Society London, including fakes and forgers and women in philately.
- Founded
- 1869
- Operated by
- Royal Philatelic Society London
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator
- Accessible restroom
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The building has wheelchair access from the main entrance and a lift to all floors above the lower basement. A hearing loop is available at reception, and an accessible toilet with an alarm is in the upper basement foyer. Abchurch Lane is quite narrow.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Bank station · 200 m
Bank station has a step-free entrance at the corner of Nicholas Lane and Cannon Street, about 200 metres from the building. Cannon Street railway station is within a five-minute walk, and Monument station is very close.
Amenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Visits are booked by email or phone. Guided group tours can be arranged on request. |
