Samplers

For those of you who don't know what a sampler is (next post down) or who think I'm kidding about the talents of young girls, here's an example from the National Conservation Centre: the Ansell Sampler, made by Ann Ansell at the age of ten in 1821. Samplers were an educational aid for girls, from the 17th century to Victorian times. They tested a girl's needlework - an important female skill in those days - and indoctrinated her with moral values. Ann's sampler shows a stately home. Down the sides are the letters of the alphabet. The message at the bottom reads:
"I Am But Young in Tender Years
With Good Parents I Am Blest".