This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/21/2024
[COMMONPLACE BOOK]. SIMPSON, Laura. Malton, North Yorkshire, 1870-1875. Manuscript commonplace book created at the York House - where Charles Dickens reputedly wrote some of his novels. By a woman called Laura Simpson, daughter of Malton solicitor Alfred Simpson, Esq., who was also appointed Bailiff of the Borough of Malton in 1856 by 6th Earl Fitzwilliam, owner of the York House, the most important historic house in Malton. Miss Laura signs and dates the front endpaper on 30 August 1872, and again to its verso on 2 February 1873, though dated entries range from 1870 to 1875. 8vo. 68 pages featuring manuscript entries and newspaper clippings of various subject matters. Quarter calf over brown and yellow marbled boards. Volume measures approximately 7 ½ x 6 ½”. Very good condition. Superstitions and folklore abound, including a poem about the inevitable sneeze, and the proper days for nail cutting - devastation to fall if it should be done on a Sunday. A Scottish rhyme concerns a superstitious sentiment towards the common magpie. Perhaps the most fascinating, is a three-page reveal of “Superstitions relative to precious stones.” Of Victorian homemaking interest, recipes appear in manuscript entries as well as cuttings. One contributor provides instruction on how to create beautiful screens (hand fans) made of glistening peacock feathers pinned onto bristol board. Other published clippings discuss the colours for ladies dressmaking, the origin of black clothing for the clergy, varieties of the ever-popular spring daffodil. Full description available upon request.