Description:Linen. Black and brown silk threads in cross, four-sided stitch and eyelet hole stitch. All edges hemmed. Alphabets, numerals and simple border patterns. Inscribed 'Maria Wilson Nov.br 8th 1823'. From the Staffordshire County Collection. 198mm x 218mm.
Towards the end of the 18th century, samplers taught not only sewing but also literacy in the forms of alphabets, numerals and religious texts. These grew in importance and became an almost essential part of sampler making throughout the 19th century.