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Holy Bible presented to Catherine Nicol from her brother Andrew
Holy Bible presented to Catherine Nicol from her brother Andrew

Holy Bible presented to Catherine Nicol from her brother Andrew

Date1844
Object number00054909
NameBible
MediumPaper, Iron gall ink, velvet, gilt edging, metal
DimensionsOverall: 120 × 80 × 45 mm
ClassificationsBooks and journals
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Mission to Seafarers
DescriptionPocket Bible - The Holy Bible, Old and New Testaments, 1844 edition. This exquisite small, red velvet and brass edged bible with delicate clasp and gold page edges is incscribed in the front; To C. Nicol from her brother Andrew. It also has family history details hand written in the front and rear cover pages that date from 1810 to 1909. The bible was carried through several generations of seafaring families.HistoryThe Mission to Seamen began in 1855 after Rev Dr John Ashley led the way by offering support and spiritual care to mariners in Bristol, England. The Anglican Church took up his work throughout the world by establishing Missions to Seaman in ports across the globe, numbering today around 200. Their role was to support mariners spiritually and grew to offer recreation facilities and practical support such as accommodation, legal advice, and transport and communication facilities.SignificanceAn excellent and evocative example of a sailor's pocket bible