Thomas Witherby (1719 – 26 November 1797)[1] was the founder of Witherby's, now known as the Witherby Publishing Group, one of the oldest publishing companies in the United Kingdom.[2][3][4] In 1740, he opened a stationer's shop at 9 Birchin Lane, London next door to the Sword Blade coffee house. His shop initially sold parchment, paper and stamps.[4] By the time of his death his shop was selling over 11,000 stamped skins annually.[4]
The family business grew into a printing business, a publisher specializing in marine subjects, a bookshop and other businesses.[5][6]
Thomas Witherby's records and those of his apprentices are held within the Records of London's Livery Companies as well in the London Metropolitan Archives. [7][8] These include precedent books containing pro forma specimen court documents and forms written in his own hand.[8]
In 1767 he was elected to the Council of the City of London Corporation representing Langbourn Ward.[9]
Personal life
editHe was married to Elizabeth Witherby (died 7 April 1800).[1]
References
edit- ^ a b Malcolm, James Peller (28 July 2014). "Londinium Redivivum: Or, an Antient History and Modern Description of London". Google. Retrieved 3 October 2024.
- ^ "Herald Scotland - Witherby on the Crest of a wave". Retrieved 1 July 2016.
- ^ "Witherby Publishing Group". Publishing Scotland. 22 February 2024. Retrieved 3 October 2024.
- ^ a b c Doherty, Sean Paul; Henderson, Stuart (6 July 2022). "Production of parchment legal deeds in England, 1690–1830". Historical Research. 95 (270). Oxford University Press (OUP): 575–585. doi:10.1093/hisres/htac013. ISSN 0950-3471.
- ^ "2015 Company Fact Sheet" (PDF). Retrieved 19 May 2015.
- ^ "Witherby History". Retrieved 19 May 2015.
- ^ "search-results". Livery Companies. Retrieved 3 October 2024.
- ^ a b "Witherby and Company Limited". London Metropolitan Archives. Retrieved 3 October 2024.
- ^ "London Metropolitan Archives-Thomas Witherby". Retrieved 1 July 2016.
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