Samplers have a long history in Britain, dating from the sixteenth century. They were originally a collection of patterns gathered together for easy reference to be used in embroidery and needlepoint lace. Later they developed into a schoolgirl's exercise and today they are more often used to record stitches than patterns. This book traces the history of samplers in Britain from the late sixteenth century onwards and includes examples of long, darning, map, school, stitch and plain sewing samplers as well as those associated with great events and private griefs and joys. About the author Pamela Clabburn was Assistant Keeper of Social History at Strangers Hall Museum, Norwich, with special responsibility for textiles, including costume and a large collection of samplers. She is now a textile and embroidery consultant and author of The Needleworks' Dictionary and The National Trust Book of Furnishing Textiles. Other titles for Shire by this author are: Beadwork; Shawls.