The first true Valentine card was probably written by a young Frenchman, Charles, Duke of Orleans. Charles was captured by the English and imprisoned in the Tower of London in 1415.

He felt very lonely, and to fight his loneliness he started writing love poems to his wife in France. His Valentines are now kept in the British Museum.

In 1537, King Henry VIII officially recognized St Valentines Day, which is ironic because he wasnt the most romantic of men – he had six wives (and two of them were executed)!

The early valentines were handmade, and young people spent hours composing their own poems. In 1784, the first Valentine Encyclopedia was published under the title of: The New English Valentine Writer, or the High Road to Love, for both Sexes, Containing a Complete Set of Valentines, which the Young may read without Blushing, and those of Riper Years find Pleasant and Entertaining.

At time passed, valentine cards became more and more popular. The Victorians decorated their cards with hearts and Cupids, wild flowers, silk, lace, feathers – you name it!

When the modern postal system was set up in the 19 th century, a real Valentines Day industry was found. Ready-made card were mass- produced, just as they were for Christmas and birthdays.

Today, many people send electronic valentines to their loved ones. But the person who gets and e- valentines will know who its from! You cant sign it From your secret admire!

Here are some mobile phone text abbreviations used by young people in Britain. Do you know what they mean? 1.WUBMV? 2.ILUVU or ILU 3.LUWAM<3 4.KOTL 5.LOVL 6.Xoxoxoxoxo