The Saunders Family

Richard Saunders (1789-1865) was a saddler,

collar and harness maker. He lived at 85 Buttermarket (now White Stuff) with his wife Mary, and children and by 1839, he was also the Parish Clerk.

Saddlery in Upper High Street, Thame (photo about 1910.
Source: Thame in Old Picture Postcards, N.G. Waters

At this time, there were more than three million working horses, and related trades thrived. Collar making was particularly skilled.

Saunder’s daughter, Rebecca Jane (1829- 1902), embroidered the sampler in the display case in 1840 at the age of 11. The needlework is typical of Victorian samplers, which usually included prayers, the Ten Commandments, verses of hymns or pious poetry. The words were often worked in fine black silk with a wide border of stylised flowers.