Description:Linen background. Coloured worsted thread. Alphabets, numerals, verse and bird motifs inside greek key and plain borders. Inscribed: 'Elizabeth Heler Apedale School 1849.' From the Staffordshire County Collection. 200mm x 205mm.
Not known whether Apedale School was in Apedale in Shropshire, near Much Wenlock, or than Apedale, Neacastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire.
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.