Original Manuscript · Victorian Family History · 30 December 1860
A Sister’s Birthday Gift, 1860 — Original Victorian Manuscript Album of Faith and Private Devotion
English-language manuscript · Presented by one sister to another · 1860
Catalogue details
Description
An original manuscript album presented by Louisa to her sister Ellen Theodosia on 30 December 1860. Around 42 handwritten pages of devotional poetry preserve an intimate record of Victorian family and religious life. Names and attribution remain subject to verification.
- Object
- Original manuscript devotional and poetry album
- Presentation date
- 30 December 1860
- Recipient
- Ellen Theodosia (surname provisionally read as Tilley; unverified)
- Presented by
- Louisa, identified in the inscription as the recipient’s sister
- Place / origin
- English-language Victorian manuscript; precise place not established
- Manuscript extent
- Approximately 42 handwritten pages (indicative)
- Blank leaves
- Additional blank leaves present
- Dimensions
- Measurements gladly provided on request
- Binding
- Contemporary dark blind-stamped cloth; intricate foliate borders and central vase of flowers
- Contents
- Religious and moral poetry including themes of forgiveness, kindness, submission and consolation
- Authorship
- Verses are manuscript copies; original authorship by family members has not been established
- Condition
- Please consult the photographs for condition. Additional photographs are available on request.
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Historical context & sources
A dated gift between sisters
The opening leaf records a gift from Louisa to her sister Ellen Theodosia, dated 30 December 1860. The surname has been provisionally read as Tilley. This direct family inscription supplies a precise date, recipient, occasion and relationship, but does not identify a birthplace or further genealogical connection.
A Victorian world in handwritten verse
The album preserves extensive religious and devotional poetry. The identified themes include forgiveness through Christ, kindness, submission to providence and consolation in grief. A text resembling the hymn Lead, Kindly Light appears among the verses, but its precise wording and any additional authorship should be checked against the manuscript. The presence of copied poetry is itself evidence of domestic Victorian literary culture.
