This handbill is advertising that the Northumberland Iron Plough has been created and is available for sale. It is interesting to notice that the weight of the plough is given, weighing in at 10 stone, or 140 lbs. William Davison printed the handbill, complete with an engraving of the plough and ornate lettering.
William Davison was born at Alnwick, Northumberland, on 16th November 1781. He was the youngest son of William & Mary Davison. After leaving school William junior entered into an apprenticeship with Mr. Hind, a chemist in Newcastle. It is believed William returned to Alnwick in 1802, setting up business as a pharmacist. In 1803 he entered into a short partnership with Joseph Perry, a local printer in Alnwick. William continued to work in the town as an apothecary, pharmacist, and printer until his death in 1858. His printed material remains a unique illustration of the business and social activities present in the Alnwick area during the early and mid-nineteenth century.
