Adopt our William Davison partwork Bible

This bible was one of the first partwork bibles in the world, the creation of William Davison a noted apothecary, newspaper producer and philanthropist from Alnwick. It was first released as a series of magazine-like issues over a period of time, so as to make a high-quality bible available to more of the population.

Davison’s most prestigious publications were the Book of Common Prayer and The Bible. The Book of Common Prayer was produced in 1817 and was a largish book – about 22.5cm by 13cm – with a large typeface something like today’s 14 point. It included an engraved frontispiece with four other plates within the text. For the section on the burial of the dead, the illustration is of St Michael’s Church here in Alnwick showing a view across the adjoining grave yard. 

The Bible was an even more ambitious publication. This included not only the full text of the bible but also some commentaries upon it which, according to Davison’s preface, were:

 “A judicious selection from deservedly popular and highly esteemed authors … if the notes and recollections selected by the compiler assist in the least to improve the understanding, promote holiness and the conversion of sinners from the error of their ways, he will not have spent his labour in vain.”

 The Bible was originally published in 100 parts and sold for 1/- each. It was a huge job for a local printer to undertake – and also lost money. A bound copy of the whole publication was offered for sale at 26/- after Davison’s death.

Each item in our collection has its own curious and unique story. Ending up at Bailiffgate they start a new life, becoming part of the history of the museum. We offer you the unique chance to help us raise essential funds. Adopt one of our fascinating items or displays, and become part of the story yourself.

Adoption costs £50 a year for an individual and £100 for a company. All proceeds go to Bailiffgate Museum to help us fund our daily running costs. Please remember that we receive no fixed grant from the government. We depend heavily upon the generosity of our supporters, be that friends, visitors or adopters.

Your donation brings you a special adoption certificate and a digital image of your object. You also receive free visits to your item and your name credited on our website if you wish. You can also have your name or that of a person you are remembering in the display near your item.

For companies, we offer your logo on our website and a name credit near the item. Also an invitation to attend our special exhibition launches events throughout the year, a special adoption certificate and a digital image of your object. There is also the chance for a photo opportunity with the item to use on your website or in local pres.

Whether as a gift for a friend, your company, or for yourself; adopting an object is a wonderful way to support your local Museum. You can adopt for one year or for several years at a time, it is up to you.

Objects are immediately available for adoption unless otherwise stated. Please note that you are welcome to nominate the name of another person to be carried on the certificate and on the display, and to have the certificate posted to another address if you wish. Just order and proceed to the Checkout page. Complete a new delivery  address if required and enter the text you require to be displayed next to the item in the Order Notes.

If your adoption is on behalf of a company, please order as normal and we will contact you to discuss the details of your adoption and the balance of your payment.