My dear the Heart which you behold...

This charming 1790s Valentine is a handmade puzzle which unfolds to reveal poetic messages. Currently housed at the British Postal Museum and Archive, the inscription on the outside of the card reads:

"My dear the Heart which you behold,
Will break when you the same unfold,
Even so my heart with lovesick pain,
Sure wounded is and breaks in twain."

There are many variations of where the exact origins of Valentines day began; one popular tale is that of the Patron Saint Valentine. According to legend, Roman Emperor Claudius II banned marriage ceremonies during the war in an effort to keep soldiers focused and less concerned with lovers waiting for them back home. However, Priest Valentine didn't believe in keeping this sacred tradition on hold, and so wedded many couples in secret. He paid the ultimate price for his romantic gestures, and was martyred on February 14th in 496AD by Claudius II. His sacrifice for lovers to symbolise their true love was celebrated after his death and he was eventually named a saint. Before he died, St Valentine sent a letter to the woman he loved, signed "from your Valentine", leading the way to the tradition of sending Valentines day cards today. Here are a few lovely eclectic Valentines cards, ranging from the 18th Century to the more modern but equally adorable Mickey Mouse from 1934!