Bible Given By Miss Burdett Coutts To Freemasons

Bible given by Miss Burdett Coutts to Freemasons, 1871. 'This lady has presented a Bible to the "Burdett Contts" Lodge of Freemasons. The volume is bound in purple Turkey morocco, and has a broad trefoil border in gold round each side, within which various Masonic emblems, also in gold, are worked in a very artistic manner. On the front cover is inscribed "The Burdett Coutts Lodge, No. 1278, " with the monogram of the donor (A.G.B.C.). The letter B in the centre is represented by an insect bee with wings spread. The names of the founders and first officers of the lodge are written on vellum inside the cover, with the capital letters illuminated in gold and colours. The arms of Miss Coutts are emblazoned within an oval on the first leaf, and beneath is the following inscription, in her own handwriting: "This volume of the Sacred Law is presented by Angela G. Burdett Coutts to Lodge 1278. 'Now abideth these three, Faith, Hope, and Charity; but the greatest of these is Charity.' May the 14th, 1870." The Bible is inclosed in a polished oak case, lined with morocco leather, with brass joints and patent lock. The binding has been executed by Mr. Richard Spencer, Masonic publisher, of Great Queen-street'. From "Illustrated London News", 1871. Creator: Unknown. (Photo by The Print Collector/Heritage Images via Getty Images)