A Copy of Verses, Humbly Presented to all my Worthy Masters and Mistresses of King-square Ward, East, Parish of St. Anne, Westminster

Christmas greetings sheet or 'bellman's verse' conveying the good wishes of W Gosling, Beadle and Bellman of 21 Grafton Street to the inhabitants of King-Square Ward, East in the Parish of St Anne, Westminster. The broadside is printed with letterpress verses for the coming year, 1819 and a border of 18 woodcut engravings illustrating the passion of Christ. The woodcut title picture depicts the beadle in the street at his nightly watch and ward accompanied by two night watchmen.

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.