Royal Insurance was founded in 1845 in London. The company acquired Liverpool & London Globe Insurance Company in 1919. In 1996 Royal Insurance merged with Sun Alliance to create Royal & Sun Alliance, one of the largest insurance companies in the UK. The company formally changed its name to RSA Insurance Group in 2008.
RSA is currently the second largest general insurer in the UK with headquarters in the City of London at Fenchurch Street and Leadenhall Street. The company has over 20 million customers in 36 countries in Asia, Europe, North America and South America.
Royal Insurance were prolific users of commercial overprints which are relatively common on the more modern issues. Less often seen is the R. I. Co. handstamped overprint on the 1d lilac and the handstamped overprint enclosed by a shield on the 2d Wilding.
Royal Insurance Co. Ltd fire mark.