A Copy of Verses for 1866, Humbly Presented to the Worthy Inhabitants of the Upper Liberty of St Andrew, Holborn

Christmas greetings sheet or 'bellman's verse' conveying the good wishes of John Price, Bealde and Bellman of 17 Lamb's Conduit Passage to the inhabitants of the Upper Liberty of St Andrew, Holborn. The broadside is printed with verses for the coming year, 1866 and decorated with a border of 13 woodcut engravings illustrating the passion of Christ with two additional contemporary border woodcuts, depicting street musicians under a gas lamp and a lady being guided from her front door by the bellman on his nightly watch. The title picture depicts the beadle in the street at his nightly watch and ward reading out a notice or proclamation lit a night watchman.

Such broadsides were delivered to householders within the bellman'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 the bellman throughout the year. The bellman would also often also recite the verses aloud as he walked through the streets. The sheets were often hung in houses as seasonal decorations. Bellmen were Parish officers responsible for making public announcements in the streets.