A Copy of Verses humbly presented to all my worthy Masters and Mistresses In the Parish of Chiswick, in the County of Middlesex

Christmas greetings sheet or 'bellman's verse' conveying the good wishes of John Cotton, Beadle and Bellman to the inhabitants of the Parish of Chiswick. The broadside is printed with letterpress verses for the coming year, 1808 and decorated with a border of 18 woodcuts illustrating the Passion of Christ. Below the title is a contemporary woodcut depicting the Bellman at his nightly watch and ward accompanied by two nightwatchmen.

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.