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This is a copy book for practising copper plate handwriting. It was completed in 1869 at the British School on Campbell Square, Northampton, by S. Billingham.

This was part of a series of exercise books used by the school. The top of each page is printed in copperplate with moral statements such as 'Avoid the enticement of vice' and 'Bereavement subdues the heart'. This book was used from the 14 June to 21 September 1869.

This copper plate script is a style of calligraphic writing which was most commonly associated with various forms of pointed pen calligraphy. Earlier versions of this script required a thin-tipped feather pen but later, with the rise of industrialisation, the use of more flexible and durable fine point metal nibs became widespread.

Copperplate was probably the most widespread script in the period between the 1600-1800 and its influence spread not only throughout Europe but also in North America and other colonies.