The Holy Bible, part of a pair known as 'the Spetchley Bindings'
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1633
This embroidered bookbinding encases a folio volume of The Holy Bible, printed in London by Robert Barker and the assigns of John Bill, dated 1632 but published in 1633. Part of a pair known as 'the Spetchley Bindings', the binding is attributed to the workshop of the King’s Embroiderer, Edmund Harrison, and was produced in London after 1633. The binding measures 348 mm in height and 227 mm in width.
The volume is bound in crimson velvet enriched with raised work and intricate embroidery executed in gold and silver threads, silver cord, spangles, and beads over wadding. The central composition features heraldic and figurative designs framed by elaborate scroll borders, extending onto the spine compartments. The headbands and footbands are worked with crimson silk and metal-wrapped threads. Originally fitted with crimson silk ties that likely bore metal threads and gold bobbin lace, remnants of red fabric ties remain attached.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Historical context
The pair of volumes, comprising this Bible and a Book of Common Prayer, was commissioned by Charles I in the 1630s, likely for use at the Chapel Royal at Whitehall Palace. According to tradition, Charles I presented the set to Sir Robert Berkeley of Spetchley (1584–1656), possibly recognizing his support in 1637. The volume remained with the Berkeley family of Spetchley Park until 2022. Handwritten inscriptions on an endpaper record the 1773 marriage of Jane Compton and John Berkeley, as well as the births of their daughters Catherine in 1776 and Jane in 1777.
Physical characteristics
- Dimensions
- Height (binding): 348 mm; Width (binding): 227 mm
Technical characteristics
- Maker recorded
- Harrison, Edmund
- Place recorded
- England, London, London
Identification
- Source note
- Transcribed from the Victoria and Albert Museum collection record for this single object; how far it represents a wider collectible type has not been independently verified.
- Museum object name
- The Holy Bible, part of a pair known as 'the Spetchley Bindings'
- Museum object number
- 38041022005672
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.