Framed Sampler Worked By Jane Geddes 1772. 'Jane Geddes: Daughter to John & Ann Geddes', 'her sampler: Taught by her mother Gibralter 22 September 1772'. It has two verses worked in cross stitch in blue thread for 'Education' and 'Virtue'. It includes the alphabet stitched in three differing styles, geometric cross stitched panels, and numerous figures in 18th century dress, the ladies are in striped dresses with sequin appliqued earrings and the gents with black hats and blue and red suits, some are mounted on horseback. Other decorative motifs include a house, flowering trees, birds and all within a zig zag two colour border, 45.5 cms by 45.5 cms.

Gibraltar had been fought over for leadership for many centuries until 1704 when Britain finally took rule. In 1774 there were 1733 civilians living in Gibraltar with 3000 garrison soldiers and 1426 members of their family, the country was made up of Britons, Genoese, Jews, Spanish and Portuguese with each group having its niche in society. A historian writing in 1782 characterised their roles 'the richest mercantile houses are English, ...the Jews for the most part are shopkeepers and brokers....and the genoese are traders with the greater part being fishermen and gardeners...' In 1779 Spain launched the Great Siege on Gibraltar to try and overturn the British, the war lasted for three and a half years with the Spanish assaulting the island from both land and sea, and cutting off its supply lines to Morocco, peace was finally declared and Britain retained ownership of Gibraltar.