"The Prize Bible " Victorian Sunday school

This antique volume "The Prize Bible," a type of illustrated family Bible often gifted as a prize in Sunday schools during the Victorian era.

The title page reads that this bible is "The Prize Bible: Told in Simple Words, Chiefly from the Sacred Text," published in London by Wells Gardner, Darton, & Co.

This is a Victorian children's story Bible. It was written in simplified language ("Told in Simple Words") and filled with engravings to make scriptural stories accessible and engaging for children.

The custom presentation bookplate completely personalizes the history of the Bible, pinning its exact gifting down to December 1889.

The Historical Inscription Breakdown

The Recipient: The book was presented to a young girl named Eliza Willis. The Achievement: She earned it for "Good Conduct & Regular Attendance."

During the Victorian era, school attendance was heavily pushed by the government, and luxury books like this were major incentives to keep children in class.

The School: It was awarded by the Greencroft School Board. "Board Schools" were state-funded elementary schools established across the UK following the landmark Elementary Education Act of 1870. Greencroft was a school district located in County Durham, England.

The Head Teacher: It is signed by the headmaster of the school at the time, W. I. Mackay.

🌊 
We invite you to explore the full range of unique and carefully curated pieces available across our shop, where you will discover many more exceptional items of interest.

Should you have any enquiries, require further details, or wish to discuss any aspect of our offerings, please do not hesitate to message us directly at Ocean Antiques.