A Copy of Verses for the Year 1833, Humbly Presented to all the worthy Inhabitants of the Parish of St. Sepulchars, Middlesex

Christmas greetings sheet or 'Beadle's verse sheet conveying the good wishes of the beadle and Constable John Forbes to the inhabitants of the parish of St Sepulchars, Middlesex The broadside printed with letterpress verses for the coming year, 1833 and a border comprising 13 woodcut engravings illustrating the passion of Christ (two of which are now missing) and two additional contemporary border woodcuts, depicting street musicians under a gas lamp and a lady being guided from her front door by a bellman on his nightly watch. The roundel title picture, surrounded by a floral border depicts the beadle in the street at his nightly watch and ward accompanied by a night watchman. The verses have been adapated by the publisher to suggest they were composed by the bellman himself.

Such broadsides were delivered to householders within the beadle's area of responsibility just before christmas, in the hope that a financial 'tip' or token would be given in appreciation of the services provided by him throughout the year. The Beadle would also often also recite the verses aloud as he walked through the streets. The sheets were often hung in houses as seasonal decorations.