Description:Linen background. Coloured cotton threads worked in cross-stitch. Alphabets, numerals and simple border patterns. Tacked onto paper backing. Inscription: 'Mary Hodson, her work Aged 12 Eccleshall School January 1845'. From the Staffordshire County Collection. 165mm x 212mm.
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.