Description
Select Psalms and Hymns, for the Use of the Parish Church of Cardington — London: J.W. Galabin, 1786 Rare 18th-Century Hymnal with Provenance (1787) Offered here is a scarce first edition of Select Psalms and Hymns , printed in London in 1786 for use in the parish church of Cardington, Bedfordshire . This slim volume (approx. 131 pages) is unusual for including musical notation alongside the words, showing exactly what parishioners sang in late Georgian England. On the front endpaper is a presentation inscription: “Gift of The Revd. Dr Langford to Robt. Welton, 1787.” This almost certainly refers to William Langford, D.D. (d. 1814) , a prominent Anglican clergyman who became a Canon of Windsor in 1787 . The recipient, Robert Welton, was likely a parishioner or local gentleman connected to Cardington. Such inscriptions provide a direct link to the book’s earliest ownership and enhance its historical value. Why Buy This Book? Rare survival: Copies of this hymnal are scarce on the market — most are now in libraries. Musical interest: Includes printed tunes, not just words — valuable for music historians and collectors alike. Provenance: Tied to a senior churchman (Canon of Windsor), with a neat contemporary inscription dated just one year after publication. Collectible crossover: Appeals both to those who love antiquarian books and to anyone fascinated by English church history . Historical Background In the late 18th century, many parishes issued their own hymn and psalm collections to regulate congregational singing. Cardington’s 1786 selection is a vivid example, blending the older tradition of metrical psalmody with the newer hymn-writing style influenced by Isaac Watts. The printer, J.W. Galabin , was an active London printer of the period, known for musical works. The fact that this edition was created specifically for one Bedfordshire parish reflects the localized character of Anglican worship before hymnals became standardized. With its direct connection to Canon William Langford , this copy not only documents what was sung in a rural parish but also touches the upper levels of the Church of England at the dawn of the Regency period. Condition: Scuffs and wearing along the spine and the edges of the cover. One leaf is upside-down (Please see above photo for reference, I am not sure if it is meant to be like that as I do no see any obvious repairs). Occasional stains/foxing can be found. Dimensions: Weight - 200g Height - 19.8cm Width - 12.5cm Thickness - 1.6cm
Item arrived much better than described and is such a privilege to own, ty as this probably cost you more to send than I paid (honestly, I expected the item to be of much, much poorer quality for the prise!), well packaged and shipped fast. would encourage anyone to buy from this person! A +++
I pressed wrong knob and declined your 1st offer by mistake , so thanks for agreeing same price , it was very decent of you . Kind regards and thanks , waiting for it to be delivered Tomorrow Ann
Beautiful! A piece of history in great condition for being 250 years old. Fast shipping with tracking was very helpful. Very pleased with kind and fast service.
Related products
1611 King James Bible 1st Edition
$ 31.42A Light In The Attic,1981, HCDJ,Harper & Row Publishers, Vtg
$ 422.4Cambridge Wide Margin KJV Holy Bible Concordance Black Berkshire Leather Worn
$ 105.6All Quiet On The Western Front Erich Maria Remarque 1st Ed 1929 20TH imp WWI
$ 89.23