A Copy of Verses for the Year 1835, Humbly Presented to all the Worthy Inhabitants of the Parish of St. Pancras, Middlesex

Christmas greetings sheet or 'Bellman's verse' conveying the good wishes of the beadle and bellman W.D. Stanley to the inhabitants of the parish of St Pancras. The broadside is printed with verses for the coming year, 1835 and decorated with a border of 6 woodcut engravings depicting various roles undertaken by the beadle, a title picture showing the beadle as town crier and a bottom woodcut of dancers enjoying the festive season. The verses have been adapted by the publisher to suggest they were composed by the bellman himself.

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.