Description:Linen background. Dark green silk thread worked in cross stitch. Alphabet, numerals, verse, heart motif and simple border patterns. From the Staffordshire County Collection. 324mm x 305mm.
Verse: 'Whate'er thy lot [be] thankful for what is sent
if rich be lib'ral and if poor content.'
Maker: 'Lydia Jenkinson Oulton School April 12 1808'.
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.