A copy of verses humbly presented to all my worthy masters and mistresses in the parish of St James's in the Liberty of Westminster by Isaac Steward, Beadle & Bellman

Christmas greetings sheet or 'bellman's verse' conveying the good wishes of Isaac Steward, Beadle and Bellman for the parish of St James's, Westminster. The broadside is printed with verses for the coming year, 1734 and decorated with a border of 12 Biblical woodcuts depicting the Saints and three woodcuts below depicting scenes from the Christmas story and the birth of Jesus. The sheet is headed with a contemporary woodcut of the Bellman ringing his bell, a lamplighter by his side. Each of the verses typically has a different theme- some referring to the yearly calendar such as festivals and saints days with others addressed to the King, Queen, lads and lasses and masters and mistresses.

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.