THE CHRISTIAN'S PATTERN:

OR, A TREATISE OF THE IMITATION OF CHRIST.

In Four Books, Written Originally in Latin by Thomas À Kempis.


Now rendered into English, to which are added Meditations and Prayers, for Sick Persons.


By George Stanhope, D.D. Dean of Canterbury, Chaplain in Ordinary to his Majesty's.


The Tenth Edition, printed 1722 by S. Palmer, London.


The book measures 10.5cm x 17cm.


With previous owner ink inscription of George Shakerley, and printed name of C. J. Shakerley, Esq. Somerford Park, Congleton, Cheshire.


Some interesting information about the previous owners. The Shakerley family originated from Lancashire and lived at Shakerley Hall. Around 1500, the Shakerley family resided in Hulme in Allostock, Cheshire. Sir Peter Shakerley purchased the state at Somerford in 1711. Sir Peter had married Lizabeth Mainwaring from Peover in 1678, but was of the opinion that Shakerley Hall was not grand enough for a gentleman. It is not known what house was on the estate at the time of purchase, but is thought that Somerford Hall was built around 1720.


Sir Peter held a commission as Captain of Gunmen for James II and he became the MP for Chester between 1688 and 1714. He died in 1726 and ownership was transferred to his nephew Geoffrey Shakerley (Ink Inscription on first end paper) who married Ann Hurlston. Geoffrey did not live for very long and died in 1733 when the estate passed to his brother, Peter Shakerley.


Peter Shakerley married Ann Amsom in 1737. They had one daughter Eliza. He married a second time in 1765, but there were no children from this marriage. He died in 1781 and is buried in the churchyard in Somerford. His daughter had married Charles Watkin John Buckworth in 1764 and they had three children. The eldest, Charles, was left the house after the death of both parents. Charles Buckworth changed his surname to Shakerley (Printed Name Inside Cover) and took possession of Somerford Hall in 1797, which had remained unoccupied for 16 years.

He became Sir Charles Shakerley, and High Sheriff of Chester in 1791, living in Brereton between 1791 and 1797 whilst the house at Somerford Park was extended. He had two wings with canted ends added to the house. On his death in 1834 the title and estate was inherited by his eldest son Charles Peter Shakerley.



Please check all photos for the best understanding of contents and condition.


There are some notable signs of age, use and wear. The brown leather binding is considerably surface worn and has noticeable marks and wear obtained over its many years of exisitance. The spine hinges have developing visible splitting, front board hinge in particular, though the boards remain firmily attached. The spine has 5 raised ribs, and a title panel, the panel is almost entirley disintegrated, though some evidence of the text remains. Overall binding of the boards remains firm, and the contents is complete with no loose pages. The page edges have a faint red speckled colour, unsure if this is the remains of a solid red edge, or it was intended to be speckled. There is a lovely frontispiece plate of Christ on the cross. The pages have yellowed with age, but remain entirely legible.


Overall remains in good reading condition considering its age, with interesting previous ownership.


If you require any further details or photographs please don't hesitate to contact us. Please do expect signs of age, use and wear.