Description:Linen background. Worked in pink, ble and ochre woollen threads and stone cotton thread. Alphabet and numerals in cross-stitch and eyelet stitch. Inscribed: 'Sarah Aston Her Work Aged 11 1832'. Sarah Aston is believed to have lived in Shrewsbury and died in 1912 aged 92. From the Staffordshire County Collection.
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.