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A rare sailor's woolwork picture, or 'woolie', in as much as it isn't the usual rendition of a sailing ship. This example features the parish church of St. Mary Magdalene, in Gillingham Kent, flying the Naval Red Ensign from its tower. This piece was possibly created to commemorate a significant British Naval event such as a battle, the return of a fleet, or a funeral. St. Mary Magdalene has a strong link with the Royal Navy derived from the nearby Chatham Docks, and many admirals and chief administrators are recorded on memorial plaques and buried there. This woolie is also rare in that it's signed and dated: 'Austin H. Hodges, Feb. 2nd, 1876'. In very good clean condition.