In the mid-19th century, Valentine's cards gained popularity in America, where they were first advertised as a British fashion.

In 1913, Hallmark Cards produced their own Valentin's card, representing a key development in Valentine's Day's commercialisation. Today Valentin...

In the early 19th-century, the industrialisation of Britain brought with it advances in printing and manufacturing technologies. Mass-produced Valentine's cards became very popular.

A collection of over 1,700 cards is still held at the Museum of London. Cards feature elabo...

The less loved-up bought 'Vinegar Valentines' to use as an insult. These cards typically poke fun at a man's profession or a woman's appearance.

One example is a card that features a cartoon of a woman with a large nose. It reads:

"On account of your talk of oth...

The history of Valentine's Day can be traced back to ancient Rome.

From 13 to 15 February, ancient Romans celebrated the feast of Lupercalia. Roman men sacrificed goats before using their skins to whip women, believing this would make them fertile.

The first Valentine's day cards were sent in the 18th century.

Initially, it was handmade cards. Lovers would decorate paper with romantic symbols like flowers and love knots. It often included puzzles and lines of poetry. These cards were then slipped secretly under a doo...

In 1382, Geoffrey Chaucer wrote his poem Parlement of Foules. The poem contains the first recorded instance of St Valentine's Day being linked to romantic love.

"For this was on seynt Volantynys day
Whan euery foul comyth there to chese his make."