DOCUMENTARY EVIDENCE CONCERNING BERTHELET AND HIS WORK.
It is evident that in the early part of the reign of Henry VIII. there
was a large importation of foreign-bound books, much to the detriment of
native workmen. So great was the abuse caused by this importation, that
it was found advisable to issue various official papers on the subject.
The earliest English document concerning printed books is a statute made
in the first year of King Richard III., by virtue of which foreigners
were allowed to bring over their books and sell them without let or
hindrance. The result of this permission was, however, not quite what
was intended, as very shortly numbers of Englishmen became expert in the
craft of printing “in all poyntes,” as well as skilled in the “mysterye
of byndynge”; and these found themselves so outnumbered by aliens and
hampered by the foreign competition, that in 1533 an act was passed for
their relief, the most important clause in which was one imposing a
forfeit of six shillings and eight pence on every printed book brought
from abroad ready bound in boards, leather, or parchment.
The act is as follows:--
“Anno XXV., Henrici VIII. (1533). Actis made in the session of this
present Parliament, cap. XV. London, printed by Thomas Berthelet.
“Where as by the prouision of a statute made in the fyrste yere of the
reygne of Kynge Rycharde the thyrde, it was prouided in the same acte,
that all straungers repayrynge in to this realme, myghte laufully bringe
in to the sayd realme printed and written bokes to selle at theyr
libertie and pleasure. By force of whiche prouision there hath comen in
to this realme sithen the makynge of the same, a marueylous nombre of
printed bookes and daylye dothe. And the cause of the makynge of the
same prouysion semethe to be, for that there were but fewe bokes and
fewe printers with in this realme atte that tyme, whyche coulde welle
exercise and occupie the sayd science and crafte of pryntynge: Never the
lesse, sythen the makynge of the sayde prouisyon, manye of this realme,
beynge the kynges naturalle subjectes, haue gyuen them soo delygentelye
to lerne and exercyse the sayd crafte of printynge, that at this daye
there be within this realme a greate nombre counnynge and experte in the
sayd science or crafte of pryntynge, as able to exercyse the sayde
crafte in all poyntes, as anye straunger in anye other realme or
contray. And further more where there be a greate numbre of the kynges
subiectes within this realme, whiche lyue by the crafte and mysterye of
byndynge of books, and that there be a greate multitude welle experte in
the same: yet all this not withstandynge there are dyuers persons, that
bringe from beyonde the se greate plentie of printed bookes, not onelye
in the latyne tonge, but also in our maternall englishe tonge some
bounde in bordes, some in lether, and some in parchment, and them selle
by retayle, wherby many of the kynges subiectes, beinge bynders of
bokes, and hauing none other facultie wherewith to gette theyr lyuinge,
be destitute of worke, and lyke to be vndone: except some reformation
herin be had. Be it therefore enacted by the kynge oure soverayne lorde,
the lordes spiritual and temporal, and the commons in this present
parlyament assembled, and by auctoritie of the same, that the sayde
Prouiso, made the fyrst yere of the sayd King Richarde the thirde from
the feaste of the
[Illustration: PLATE VI.
CALF BINDING OF A COPY OF THE WORKS OF ST. CHRYSOSTOM, PRINTED AT BASLE
IN 1530. MADE FOR HENRY VIII.
See page 71.]
natiuitie of our lorde god next commynge shalbe voyde and of none
effecte. And further be it enacted by the auctorite afore sayde, that no
person or persons, resiant or inhabitant within this realme after the
sayd feast of Christmas next comyng shal bie to sel ageyne any printed
bokes brought from any parties out of the kynges obeysance, redye bouden
in bordes, lether, or parchement, uppon peyne to lose and forfayte for
everye boke bounde oute of the sayde kynges obeysance, and brought into
this realme, and bought by any person or persons within the same to sell
agayne, contrarie to this act, syxe shyllynge eyghte pence.
“And be it further enacted by the auctorite afore-sayde, that no persone
or persones inhabytant or resiante within this realme, after the saide
feast of Christmas, shall bye within this realmes, of any stranger,
borne oute of the kynges obedience other then of denizens, any manner of
printed bokes, brought from any the parties beyond the see, except onely
by engrose and not by retayle: upon peine of forfaiture of VIˢ VIIIᵈ for
every boke so bought by retayle, contrarie to the fourme and effect of
this estatute, the said forfaytures, to be always leuied of the byers of
any suche bookes, contrarie to this act; etc. Provided alwaye, etc.”
This act, stringent though it seems, was not of much effect, as
presently appears by a study of the transcripts of the Stationers
Company, most usefully reprinted by Mr. Edward Arber, amongst which will
be found several rules and ordinations concerning the foreign
bookbinders. These men, undoubtedly skilful in their trade, ultimately
settled here in considerable numbers, and not only became naturalized
Englishmen, but in all probability eventually benefited our styles and
methods by the introduction of new ideas and a high standard of
technical workmanship. A second great irruption of foreign workmen,
binders among them, took place in England in 1685, on the revocation of
the Edict of Nantes. On this occasion, also, it is probable that our
native styles and methods ultimately benefited considerably by the
importation of new blood.
Nothing is known about Thomas Berthelet until he became connected with
the state printing under Henry VIII. He succeeded Richard Pynson as
royal printer and binder in 1530, and received his appointment to this
position by means of a royal patent. This patent is the earliest of the
kind known, for although Pynson called himself “Printer unto the King’s
noble grace,” his official authority for doing so is not forthcoming.
Berthelet’s is, however, extant, and reads as follows:--
“Rex omnibus ad quos praesentes, ac, salutem. Sciatis quod nos de gratia
nostra speciali, ac ex certa scientia, & mero motu nostris dedimus &
concessimus, ac per praesentes damus et consedimus dilecto servienti
nostro Thomae Barthelet impressori nostro quandam annuitatem, sive
quendam annualem redditum quatuor librarum sterlingorum, habendum &
annuatim percipiendum proedictam annuitatem sive annualem redditum
quatuor librarum eidem Thomae Barthelet, à festo Paschae, anno regni
nostro vicesimo primo, durante vita sua de thesauri nostro ad receptam
scaccarii nostri per manus thesaurarum & camerarii nostrorum ibidem pro
tempore existendo ad festa sancti Michaelis archangeli & Paschae per
equales portiones &c., quod expressamentio &c. In cujus, &c. testimonium
rei apud Westmonasteriensem, vicesimo secundo die Februarii, anno regni
Henrici VIII., vicesimo primo. Per breve privato sigillo.”
It will be seen that by virtue of this document Berthelet enjoyed a life
income of four pounds sterling annually, the same sum that had been
given to Richard Pynson in September, 1515. There is also a note to this
effect among the Patent Rolls. (21 Hen. VIII., Pt. II. m. 17, dated York
Place 13ᵗʰ Feby 21 Hen. VIII.)
Not only was he thus marked for the king’s favour, but he also enjoyed
what in those days was considered a high honour; he was granted a coat
of arms by Clarenceulx, king of arms, on September 1, 1549. This grant
exists in the College of Arms in London, and the arms are thus
described:--
“The armes and creste of Thomas Berthelet of London, esquyer,
gentillman; he bereth asure on a cheveron flore contre flore argent,
betwene three doves of the same, thre trefiles vert. per chrest. upon
his helm, out of a crounall silver two serpents endorsed asure ventred
gold open mouthed, langued and eyed geules, there tailes comyng up in
saulre under thire throtes, the endes of the tailes entering into their
eres, langued and armed geules manteled geules, doubled silver, as more
plainly apperith depicted in this margent; graunted and given by me
Thomas Hawley alias Clarenceulx, Kyng of armes, the first day of
September in the thirde yere of the reygne of our soverange lorde Kynge
Edward the VI etc.”
Pynson used heraldic emblems with the helmet of an esquire on some of
his bindings; but he appears to have assumed the dignity without
official warrant.
Berthelet’s continued presence in England was also considered of
sufficient importance to justify a special exemption in his favour from
serving the king abroad in his wars in France. (Patent Roll. 36 Hen.
VIII., Pt. II.)
In the state papers preserved in the Record Office in London are several
notices referring to the official printing work done by Thomas
Berthelet. These testify to the importance and confidential nature of
the work intrusted to him, and show how he was sometimes, on
particularly urgent or secret occasions, ordered to set up the type
himself, and also was obliged to take an oath of secrecy. Misprints were
evidently a thorn in his side, more than one entry referring to such
difficulties, of which doubtless numbers escaped official notice. From
these entries I have chosen a few for quotation.
Treasurer of the Chamber’s Accounts.
Oct 22ⁿᵈ 1530. To Thos Bartlet (Berthelet) for printing 1600 papers
and books of proclamation for ordering and punishing sundry beggars
and vacabundes, and dampnyng of books containing certain errors, at
1ᵈ per leaf. £8 6ˢ 8ᵈ.
(Trevelyan Papers. Record Office. Letters and Papers Hen. 8ᵗʰ Vol.
5. p. 322.)
Richard Croke to Cromwell 17ᵗʰ Septʳ. 1532.
After I left, Bartelot, the printer, told me that Goodrycke
requested him to advertise the King of certain errors in “The
Glasse off Truthe,” which Bartelot refused, saying he had moved the
King in such matters beforetime, and his Grace was not content with
it. Though this was told Croke secretly, thinks it his duty to make
it known to Cromwell, and that he should get out by policy from
Goodricke what errors he notes. Thinks that Bartelot will speak of
it to others.
(Letters and Papers Hen. 8ᵗʰ Vol. 5. No. 1320. p. 572.)
Cromwell to Sir Thomas Audeley, Lord Chancellor. 11ᵗʰ Novʳ. 1534.
It is necessary to have some copies of the proclamation printed to
night, that they may be sent to sundry parts with the books of
answer. Desires him to send a true copy by the bearer. Will then
send for Bartelet the printer, swear him and cause him to have them
printed to-night. The Rolls, 11 Nov.
Asks him to have the proclamations written and sealed, and bring
them to-morrow at 10 o’clock. The duke of Norfolk and he will tarry
dinner till he comes.
Below is Audeley’s answer.
Will have 20 proclamations written as Cromwell wishes. Has
commanded Crooke to deliver one true original to Bartelott with
orders to set the print himself to-night, and make speed. Will be
with Cromwell to-morrow at the hour appointed.
(Letters and Papers Hen. 8ᵗʰ Vol. 7. p. 535. No. 1415.)
The most important as well as the most interesting document concerning
Berthelet is a long bill of his, giving details of books supplied by him
to King Henry VIII., between the dates 1541-1543. This bill is written
on twelve leaves of paper, and with it a warrant on vellum, signed by
the king, ordering the payment to be made. Berthelet’s autograph receipt
is also appended. This document was purchased by the British Museum in
1870, and although it does not seem that any of the items mentioned in
it can positively be identified, there are many instances in which it is
likely enough that in the same museum are some of the actual books
referred to. (Add. MS. 28. 196.)
Several of the entries in this bill are of great interest. We find that
many of the bindings were bound back to back; none now remain that were
made at so early a date, but several instances of this curious method of
binding that were made during the seventeenth century, bound both in
leather and in satin, still exist.
White leather “gorgiously gilted on the leather” is mentioned more than
once, and velvet, purple, and black were occasionally used, but the
style of the decoration of it is left entirely to the imagination.
Again, “Crymosyn satin” only is mentioned, without any word of
embroidery or other ornamentation, while leather, probably brown calf,
is here and there described as being “gorgiously gilte,” and also
“bounde after the Italian” or “Venecian fascion.”
The prices in this bill should be multiplied by about twelve to bring
them into line with our present currency.
The bill is worded as follows:--
[Illustration]
We wolle and commaunde you that of suche our Treausour as in your handes
remayneth ye doe ymedyatly upon the sighte herof pay or doe to be paide
unto our trustie servaunte Thomas Berthelett our prynter the somme of
one hundred seventene pounds sixepence and one halfepeny sterlyng. The
whiche is due and owyng by us unto hym for certeyne parcelles delyvered
by the seid Thomas unto us and other at our commandement as in this
booke, whereunto this our present warraunte is annexed particularly
dothe appere. And these our lettres signed with our hande shalbe unto
you a suffycient warraunte and discharge for the same. Yoven under our
Signemanuell, at our Manour of Wodstooke, the xxiiij^{ṭị} of September,
the xxxv yere of our reigne.
To our right trustie and righte welbeloved Sr. Edward Northe, Knyghte,
treausourer of thaugmentaciouns of the Revenues of our Crowne.
[Illustration: PLATE VII.
WHITE LEATHER BINDING OF A MS. ENTITLED “LA SCIENCE DE GEOMETRIE.”
See page 74.]
_Receyved of sir Edward North, Knight, treasourer of the
Augmentations, the sayd summe of one hundred seventene poundes vj.
d. ob. according to the tenour of this warrant, the 29 day
September, aᵒ regni regis Henrici viij, xxxv._
[Illustration]
Anno Domini 1541, et anno regni serenissimi et invictissimi Regis
Henrici Octavi, Dei gratia Anglie Francie et Hibernie Regis, fidei
Defensoris, et in terra Ecclesie Anglicane et Hibernice Supremi Capitis,
tricesimo tercio.
In primis, delyvered to my Lorde Chaumcellour, the ixth day of December,
xx^{ṭị} Proclamacons, made for the enlargyng of Hatfeld Chace, printed
in fyne velyme, at vj^{ḍ} the pece. Summa, 10s.
Item delyvered to the Kinges hyghnes, the xxx day of December, a Newe
Testament in englisshe and latyn, of the largest volume, price 3s.
Item delyvered to the Kinges hyghnes, the vj day of January, a Psalter
in englisshe and latyne, covered with crimoysyn satyne, 2s.
Item delyvered the same tyme, a Psalter, the Proverbes of Salomon, and
other smalle bookes bounde together, price 16d.
Item delyvered to the Kinges hygnes, for a little Psalter, takyng out of
one booke and settyng in an other in the same place, and for gorgious
byndyng of the same booke, xijᵈ and to the Goldesmythe, for taking of
the claspes and corner, and for settyng on the same ageyne xvj^{ḍ} Summa
2s. 4d.
Item delyvered unto the Kinges hyghnes, the xv day of January, a New
Testament in latyne, and a Psalter englisshe and latyne, bounde backe to
backe, in white leather, gorgiously gilted on the leather; the bookes
came to ijS. the byndyng and arabaske drawyng in golde on the transfile,
iiij^{ṣ} Summa 6s.
Item delyvered to the Kinges hyghnes, the xviij day of January, a booke
called _Enarraciones Evangeliorum Dominicalium_, bounde in crymosyn
satyne; the price 3s. 4d.
Item delyvered to the Kinges hig(h)nes, the xxiij day of January, a
booke of the Psalter in englisshe and latyne, the price viijᵈ; and a
booke entiteled _Enarraciones Evangeliorum Dominicalium_, the price
xij^{ḍ}; and for the gorgious byndyng of them, backe to backe, iij^{ṣ}
iiij^{ḍ} Summa 5s.
Item delyvered to Maister Hynwisshe, to the Kinges use, a paper booke of
vj queres royall, gorgiously bounde in leather 7s. 6d.
Item delyvered to my Lorde Chauncellour, the xxv day of January vjᶜ.
Proclamacions concernyng the Kinges stile; eche of them conteynyng one
leafe of bastarde paper, at j^{ḍ} the pece. Summa 50^{ṣ}
Item delyvered to my Lorde Chauncellour, the iiij day of February, vjᶜ.
Proclamacions concernyng eatyng of whyte meates; eche of them conteyning
one hole leafe of Jene paper, at ob. the pece, 25^{ṣ}
Item delyvered the xxvᵗʰ day of February, to the Kinges hyghnes,
_Ambrosius super epistolas sancti Pauli xx^{ḍ}_
Item one Psalter in englisshe, in viijᵒ xxᵈ.
Item ij litle Psalters, xvj^{ḍ} Summa 4s. 8d.
Item delyvered to the Kinges hyghnes, the laste day of February, xij
bookes intitled _Summaria_ (in) _Evangelia et Epistolas ut leguntur_, ij
bounde in paper bordes at viijᵈ the pece, and x in forrelles, at vjᵈ the
pece, 6s. 4d.
Item delyvered to the Kinges hyghnes, the iij day of Marche, one
_Summaria in Evangelia et Epistolas_, gorgiously bounde, and gilte on
the leather, price 2s.
Item delyvered the same day, ij bookes, intitled _Conciliaciones locorum
Althemeri_, price 4s.
Item delyvered to the Kinges hyghnes, the same day, one _Opus Zmaragdi_,
price 4s. 8d.
Item delyvered to the Kinges hyghnes, the vth day of Marche, one _Novum
Testamentum_, bounde with a _Summaria_, price 2s.
Item delyvered to the Kinges hyghnes, the ix day of Marche, one _Novum
Testamentum_, in latyne, bounde with a _Summaria super Epistolas et
Evangelia_, 2s.
Item delyvered to the Kinges hyghnes, the xijᵗ day of Marche, one
_Authoritas allegabiles sacre scripture_, with one _Summaria in
Evangelia et Epistolas_, gorgiously bounde in whyte, and gilte on the
lether, iiij Item, _Sedulius in Paulum_ at iijs. Item, _Petrus Lumberdus
in Epistolas sancti Pauli_, at iijˢ iiijᵈ. Item, _Homelie ven. Bede in
Epistolas Dominicalis_, at xvjᵈ. Item, _Questiones Hugonis super
Epistolas sancti Pauli_, ijṣ Summa 13s. 8d.
Item delyvered to the Kinges Maiestie, the xv day of Marche, _Thomas de
Aquino, in Evangelia Dominicalia, et Homelie Bede, una ligati cum
alijs_; price 2s 8d.
Item, _Psalterium_ in latyne, and a Psalter in englisshe, _una legati_;
price 2s. 8d.
Item, _Arnobius super psalmos_, 2s.
Item, _Haymo super psalmos_, 2s.
Item, _Jo, de Turre-cremata super Evangelia_, 2s 8d.
Item, _Omelia Haymonis super Evangelia_, 16d.
Item delyvered to the Kinges hyghnes, the xvj day of Marche, one
_Arnobius super Psalterium_, bounde with other bookes, 2s.
Item, delyvered to the Kinges hyghnes, the xviij day of Marche, one
_Arnobius super Psalterium_, and one Psalter in englisshe, price 2s. 8d.
Item delyvered to the Kinges hyghnes, the xix day of Marche, _Homilie
Bede hyemales_, bounde with his _Homilijs on the Pistles_, price 2s. 8d.
Item, _Homilie Bede aestivales_, bound alone, price 20d.
Item delyvered to the Kinges hyghnes, the xxiij day of Marche, _Homelie
Bede pars estivalis_, bounde with his Homilies on the Epistoles, price
2s. 8d.
Item the same day, delyvered to his grace, _Enarraciones sancti Thome de
Aquino super Evangelia_, bounde with _Homilijs Bede super Epistolas_,
the price 2s. 8d.
Anno Domini 1542.
Item delyvered to the Kinges hyghnes, the xxvᵗⁱ day of Marche, one
Psalter in latyne of Colines printe, and one in englisshe, bounde
together; the price ijˢ viiiᵈ. Item, _Arnobius super Psalterium_, and a
Psalter in englisshe, bound together, price ijˢ viijᵈ. Item, _San(c)tus
Thomas de Aquino super Mathuem_, the price ijˢ. Summa 6^{ṣ} 8^{ḍ}
Item delyvered to the Kinges hyghnes, the xxvij day of Marche, one
_Cathena aurea divi Thome de Aquino in Evangelia Dominicalia_, price ij
iiijᵈ.
Item the same day delyvered to his hyghnes, one _Postilla Guilielmi
Par(is)iensis_, price ijṣ Summa 5s. 4d.
Item delyvered to the Kinges hyghnes, the xxviij dau of Marche, one
_Enarraciones sancti Thome de Aquino in Evangelia Dominicalia, with
Homilijs ven. Bede in Epistolas ut per totum annum leguntur in templis_,
price ijˢ viijᵈ. Item, _Psalterium_ in latine, with _Arnobius super
Psalmos_; the price ijˢ viijᵈ. Item, _Faber super Epistolas Catholicas_
the price xxᵈ. Item, _Dydimus Alexandrianus_, with Beda upon the
_Epistolas Catholicas_, price ijˢ. Item, one _Catanus super Evangelia_,
price iijˢ iiijᵈ Summa 12s.
Item delyered to the Kinges hyghnes, the xxx day of Marche, one _Cathena
Aurea divi Thome Super Evangelia in duobos_, price 5s.
Item delyvered the same day to his grace, one _Dionysius Carth._; and a
_Faber Stampe super Epistolas Catholicas_, price 3s.
Item delyvered the same day, one _Dydimus Alexandrinus_, and _Beda super
Epistolas Catholicas_, price 2s.
Item delyvered to the Kinges hyghnes, the ij day of Aprill, one _Thomas
de Aquino in Evangelia Dominicalia_, and _Beda super Epistolas_, bounde
together, price 2s 8d.
Item delyvered to the Kinges hyghnes, the same day, one _Homilie
Johannis Chrysostomi in Matheum_, the price 2s.
Item, one _Homilie Jo. Chrysostomi in Johannem Marcum et Lucam_, price
2s. 4d.
Item delyvered to the Kinges hyghnes, the xjᵗ day of Aprill, _Dionysium
Carthus. in Evang._ in viij, bound in ij, price 5s.
Item delyvered the same day, to my Lorde Chauncellour of England, iiijᶜ
Proclamacions concernyng stealyng of haukes egges, and kepyng of soure
haukes; eche conteynyng a leafe of basterde paper, at jᵈ the pece. Summa
35s.
Item delyvered to my Lorde Chauncellour the xvj day of Aprill, iiijᶜ
Proclamacions concernyng stealing of haukes eggs, and kepyng of soure
haukes; eche of them conteynyng a hole leaffe of Jene paper at ob. the
pece. Summa 16s. 8d.
Item for iiijᶜ of the same, that were new made ageyne, at ab. the pece.
Summa 16s. 8d.
Item delyvered to my Lorde Chauncellour of England, the xx day of
Aprill, all these Actes followyng, printed in Proclamacions; that is to
wete, vᶜ of the Acte concernyng counterfeit lettres or privie tokens,
to receyve money or goodes in other mens handes; eche of them conteynyng
a leaffe of Jene paper, at ob. the pece, 20s. 10d.
Item delyvered vᶜ of the Acts concernyng bying of fisshe upon the see;
eche of them conteyning one hole leaffe of basterde paper, at j^{ḍ} the
pece. Summa 41s. 8d.
Item delyvered ijᶜ of the Acte concernyng foldyng of clothes in North
Walles, eche of them conteynyng halfe a leaffe of basterde paper, at ob.
the pece. Summa 8s. 4d.
Item vᶜ of the Acte concernyng pewterers; eche of them conteynyng one
hole leaffe of basterde paper, at jᵈ ob. the pece. Summa 3l. 2s. 6d.
Item C of the Acte concernyng kepyng of greate horsses; eche of them
conteynyng ij hoole leafes of basterde paper, at ijᵈ the pece. Summa 4l.
3s. 4d.
Item Vᶜ of the Acte concernyng crossboues and hande gonnes; eche of them
conteynyng iij holle leaves dim. of basterde paper at iijᵈ ob. the pece.
Summa 7l. 5s. 10d.
Item Vᶜ of the Acte concernyng the conveyaunce of brasse, latene, and
bell metall over the see; eche of them conteynyng one holle leafe of
basterde paper, at jᵈ the pece. Summa 41s. 8d.
Item vᶜ of the Acte ageynst conjuracions, witchecraftes sorcery, and
inchauntementes eche of them conteynyng one holle leafe of Jene paper,
at ob. the pece. Summa 20s. 10d.
Item vᶜ of the Acte for the mayntenaunce of artillarie, debarryng
unlaufull games; eche of them conteynyng iiij holle leaves of basterde
paper, at llljᵈ the pece. Summa 8l. 6s. 8d.
Item vᶜ of the Acte concernyng the execucion of certeyne Statutes; eche
of them conteynyng iij hoole leaves dim. of bastarde paper, at iijᵈ ob.
the pece. Summa 7l. 5s. 10d.
[Illustration: PLATE VIII.
UPPER COVER OF THE CALF BINDING OF VOL. I. OF A BIBLE PRINTED AT ANTWERP
IN 1534. MADE FOR HENRY VIII. AND QUEEN ANNE BOLEYN.
See page 74.]
Item vᶜ of the Acte for bouchers to selle at their libertie, by weyghte
or otherwise; eche of them conteynyng one holle leafe of basterde paper,
at 1ᵈ the pece. 41s. 8d.
Item vᶜ of the Acte for murdre and malicius bloudshed within the Courte;
eche of them conteynyng iij hole leaves dim. of Basterde paper at iijᵈ
ob. the pece. Summa 7l. 5s. 10d.
Item xij of the Acte concernyng certeyne Lordships, translated from the
Countie of Denbigh to the Countie of Flynt; eche of them conteynyng one
hoolle leaffe of basterde paper, at jᵈ the pece. Summa 12d.
Item vᶜ of the Acte concernyng false prophesies upon declaracion of
armes, names, or badges; eche of them conteynyng a dim. leafe of
basterde paper, at ob. the pece, 20s. 10d.
Item vᶜ of the Acte concernyng the translation of the saynctuarie from
Manchestere to Westechester; eche of them conteynyng one hoolle leaffe
dim. of basterde paper, at jᵈ ob. the pece. Summa 3l. 2s. 6d.
Item vᶜ of the Acte for worsted yarne in Northefolke; eche of them
conteynyng a hoolle leaffe of basterde paper, at jᵈ the pece. Summa 41s.
8d.
Item vᶜ of the Acte for confirmacion and continuacion of certeyne Actes;
eche of them conteynyng one hoolle leafe of basterde paper, at jᵈ the
pece. Summa 41s. 8d.
Item vᶜ of the Acte for the true making of kerseyes; eche of them
conteynyng one holle leafe dim, of basterde paper, at jᵈ ob. the pece.
Stmma 3l. 2s. 6d.
Item vᶜ of the Acte expondyng a certeyn Statute concernyng the shippyng
of clothes; eche of them conteynyng a dim leafe of basterde paper, at
ob. the pece. Summa 20s. 10d.
Item for the byndyng of ij Primmers, written and covered with purple
velvet, and written abowte with golde, at iijˢ the pece. Summa 6s.
Item delyvered to the Kinges hyghnes, the vj day of Maye, xij of the
Statutes made in the Parliament holden in the xxxiijᵗⁱ yere of his moste
gracious reigne; at xvjᵈ the pece. Summa 16s.
Item delyvered to Mr James, Maister Denes servaunte for the Kinges
hyghnes use, the xvjᵗʰ day of Maye, a greate booke of paper imperiall,
bound after the facion of Venice, price 15s.
Item delyvered to the seid Maister James, for the Kinges hyghnes use,
another greate booke of paper imperiall, bounde after the Italian
fascion, the price 14s.
Item delyvered the xiiij day of June, to Maister Daniell, servaunte to
Maister Deny, to the Kinges hyghnes use, ij bookes of paper royall,
bound after the Venecian fascion, the price, 18s.
Item delyvered to Maister Secretory, Maister Wrysley the v day of
November, iij dosen bookes of the Declaracion of the Kinges hyghnes
title to the soverayntie of Scotland, at iiijᵈ the pece. Summa 12s.
Item delyvered to Maister Jones, servaunte to Maister Deny, the xxx daye
of December, v _Tullius de Officijs_, bounde in paper bourdes, at xvjᵈ
the pece, and one gorgiously gilted for the Kinges hyghnes, price iijˢ
iiiᵈ Summa, 10s.
Item for byndyng of a paper booke for the Kinges hyghnes, and the
gorgious giltyng thereof, delyvered the xiiij day of January to Mr
Turner, 3s. 4d.
Item delyvered to Maister Hynnige, for the Kinges hyghnes use the vij
day of Febr. a greate paper booke of royall paper, bounde after the
Venecian fascion, price 8s.
Item delyvered the ix day of February, to my Lorde Chauncellour, vjᶜ of
the Proclamacions for white meates, at ob. the pece, 25s.
Item delyvered the vj day of Marche, iij bookes of “The Institution of a
xp’en man,” made by the clergy, vnto the Kinges most honerable Counsayll
at xxᵈ the pece, 5s.
Anno Domini 1543.
Item delyvered the vj day of Aprill, to Maister Henry Knyvett, for the
Kinges hyghnes, a bridgement of the Statutes, gorgiously bounde, 5s.
Item delyvered to the Kinges moost honerable Counsaill, the viiij day of
Aprill, iij litle bookes of the Statutes, price xij^{ḍ} Item iij bookes
of the vj Articles, price vj^{ḍ} Item iij of the Proclamacions ageynst
Anabaptistes, price vj^{ḍ} Item iij Proclamacions of ceremones, price
vj^{ḍ} Item iij of the Injunccions, price vj^{ḍ} Item iij of holy dayes,
price iij^{ḍ} Summa. 3s. 3d.
Item delyvered to my Lorde Chauncellour of England the iiij daye of
Maye, ijᶜ Proclamacions concernyng the price of suger, conteynyng one
hole leafe of basterde paper, at j^{ḍ} the pece. Summa. 16s. 8d.
Item for the byndyng of a booke written on vellim, by Maister Turner,
covered with blacke velvet, 16d.
Item delyvered to my Lorde Chauncellor, the xxxj day of Maye, vᶜ of the
Acte for the advauncement of true religion and abolisshment of the
contrarie, made out in Proclamacions; eche of them conteynyng iii leaves
dim. of greate basterde paper, at iijd. ob. the pece. Summa, 7l. 5s.
10d.
Item delyvered vᶜ of the Acte for the explanacion of the statutes of
willes, made out in Proclamacions; eche of them conteynyng iii leaves of
great basterd paper, at iijd the pece. Summa, 6s. 5d.
Item delyvered vᶜ of the Acte agaynst suche parsones as doe make
bankeruptes, made out in Proclamacions, eche of them conteynyng two
greate leaves of basterde paper, at ijd. the pece. Summa, 4l. 3s. 4d.
Item delyvered vᶜ of the Acte for the preservacion of the ryver of
Severne, made oute in Proclamacions; eche of them conteynyng two small
leaves of paper, at jd, the pece; 41s. 8d.
Item delyvered vᶜ of the Acte concernyng collectours and receyvours,
made out in Proclamacions; eche of them conteyning a leafe dim. of
paper, at jd. the pece. Summa, 41s. 8d.
Item delyvered vᶜ of the Acte for the true making of coverlettes in
Yorke, made oute in Proclamacions; eche of them conteyning ij smalle
leaves of paper, at jd. the pece. Summa. 41s. 8d.
Item delyvered vᶜ of the Acte for the assise of cole and woode, made owt
in Proclamacions; eche of them conteynyng a leafe of smalle paper, at
ob. the pece. Summa, 20s. 10d.
Item delyvered vᶜ of the Acte, that persons, beyng noe common surgions,
may mynistre outwarde medycines, made oute in Proclamacions; eche of
them conteynyng a leafe of smalle paper, at ob. the pece. Summa, 20s.
10d.
Item delyvered vᶜ of the Acte to auctorise certeyne of the Kinges
majesties counsaill to sett prices upon wines; made out in
Proclamacions, eche of them conteynyng a leafe of paper, at ob. the
pece. Summa, 20s. 10d.
Item delyvered vᶜ of the Acte for the true making of pynnes, made out in
Proclamacions; eche of them conteynyng halfe a leafe of paper, at ob.
the pece. Summa, 10s 5d 1/2d.
Item delyvered vᶜ of the Acte for the true making of frises and cottons
in Wales, made oute in Proclamacions; eche of them conteynyng a leafe of
paper, at ob. the pece. Summa, 21s. 8d.
Item delyvered fiftie of the Acte for pavying of certeyne lanes
[Illustration: PLATE IX.
SATIN BINDING OF A COLLECTION OF SIXTEENTH-CENTURY TRACTS. MADE FOR
HENRY VIII.]
and streets in London and Westm., made out in Proclamacions; eche of
them conteynyng ij leaves of smalle paper, at jd. the pece, 4s. 2d.
Item delyvered fiftie of the Acte for knyghtes and burgeses to have
places in the parliament, for the county-palantyne and citie of Chester,
made out in Proclamacions; eche of them conteynyng a leaffe of smalle
paper, at ob. the pece; 2s. 1d.
Item delyvered fourtie bookes of the Acte for certeyne ordenaunces in
the Kinges majesties dominion and principalitie of Wales, at iiijᵈ the
pece. Summa 13s. 4d.
Item delyvered to the Kinges highnes, the firste day of June, xxiiij
bookes intitled “A necessary doctrine for any Christen man,” at xvjd.
the pece. Summa, 32s.
Item delyvered to the Kinges hyghnes, the third day of June xxiiij
bookes intitled “A necessary doctrine for any Christen man,” at xvjᵈ the
pece. Summa, 32s.
Item delyvered to the Kinges hyghnes, the iiij day of June, xxiiij of
the booke intitled “A necessary doctryne for any Christen man,” at xvjd
the pece. Summa, 32s.
Item delyvered to Maister Stokeley, the xij day of June, xij
Proclamacions for the advancement of true religion, at iijd. ob. the
pece; 3s. 6d.
Item xx of the Proclamacions of the Acte for explanacion of the statute
of willes, at iijd the pece. Summa, 5s.
Item xj proclamacions of the Acte of bankerupte, at ijd. the pece.
Summa, 3s. 4d.
Item xx Proclamacions of the Acte for Severne, at jd. the pece. Summa,
20d.
Item xx Proclamacions of the Acte of collectours and receyvours, at jd,
the pece, 20d.
Item xx Proclamacions of the Acte for making of coverlettes in Yorke, at
jd. the pece. Summa, 20d.
Item xx of the Proclamacions, that persones beyng noe comon surgions may
ministre outewarde medicynes, at ob. the pece. Summa, 10d.
Item xx Proclamacions of the Acte for certeyne of the Kinges maiesties
counsaill to sett prices of wynes; at ob. the pece. Summa, 10d.
Item xx Proclamacions of the Acte for true making of pynnes, at qᵃ the
pece, 5d.
Item xx Proclamacions of the Acte for true making of frises and cottons
in Wales; at ob. the pece. Summa, 10d.
Summa totalis, cxvi_jli_ vj. d. ob.
THOMAS AUDELEY,
_Cancellarius_.
The consideration of Thomas Berthelet as a printer is foreign to my
present purpose; the subject is a large one, and requires special
treatment and a long and careful study. There are more works left that
were printed by Berthelet than there are of any other of our early
English printers, and the greater number of the works he chose for
reproduction are important and valuable,--147 books are known to have
been printed by him. Many of Berthelet’s types are very beautiful. Some
of them are black letter; perhaps one of the finest founts is that used
for the Confessio Amantis of John Gower. Plate II. shows a reproduction
of the beautiful title-page of this book, of which I believe the border
is one of Berthelet’s own designing, or at all events made by the design
of the stamps used on his bindings; the resemblance of many of the black
curves printed in this book to those used in gold on the leather will be
at once apparent. Whenever any student ventures upon a close
examination of the printed work of Berthelet, he will be met with an
important initial difficulty, which is, that Berthelet’s nephew and
successor, Thomas Powell, was misguided enough to leave out the word
“late” on several of his imprints; that is to say, he printed many books
absolutely as if they had been issued by Berthelet himself, using the
same types and the same trade expressions altogether. In many instances
it will be almost impossible to decide definitely whether a particular
book was printed by the master himself or only by his man.
In the long list of works printed by Berthelet which is given by Ames,
there are statutes dated as early as 1529; and besides official
publications, there are numerous miscellaneous books of an important
character. Among these are several written by Sir Thomas Elyot and
Erasmus; Gower’s Confessio Amantis; Lyttylton’s Tenures; bibles,
dictionaries, plays, and chronicles.
On the title-page of a copy of Marcus Aurelius’s golden book is an
ornamental border. This border consists of a design of boys in
procession, one being carried on the shoulders of four others, and has
at the top a medallion with two sphinxes; the same design, however, if
not the same block, was used by other printers besides Berthelet.
Berthelet’s own device is a figure of Lucretia stabbing herself, with a
landscape in the distance and an architectural framework.
The colophons in Berthelet’s books are found both in Latin and in
English, one of the most usual being:--
“Imprinted in Fletestrete in the house of Thomas Berthelet nere to the
condite at the sygne of Lucrece.”
Common forms are also:--
“Londoni in Aedibus Tho. Bertheleti,” “Thome Bertheletus regius
impressor excudebat,” and “Impressus Londini in edibus regii
impressoris.”
And of rarer occurrence are the words:--
“In Aedibus Thome. Bertheleti typographi regii typis impress,” and
“Impressum in Flete-Strete prope aquagium sub intersignio Lucretiae
Romanae.”
There is a curious limit given as to price in a note at the end of a
copy of the “Doctrine and Erudition for any Christian Man,” printed in
1543, which says: “This boke bounde in paper boordes or claspes, not to
be sold aboue XVIᵈ.”
A few books were printed from 1556 to 1560 with Berthelet’s colophons,
after his death, on which the word “late” is prefixed to his name, but
this does not appear always to have been done.
Thomas Berthelet enjoyed what in his time must have been a very
lucrative post. Not only had he his regular fee, but he was also
constantly employed in official work, for which he was separately paid,
besides which he had private customers. There are several entries
respecting the investment of his property to be found in the Patent
Rolls of Henry VIII. Among these there are some which are of interest,
as showing how carefully changes of property were noted in those days;
e. g.:--
“On payment of a sum of 40 shillings licence was granted to Richard
Moryson to alienate two houses in Friday Street to Thomas Berthelet.”
(Patent Roll. 34 Hen. VIII., Pt. II.)
Again: “Grant to Thomas Berthelet of messuages and lands in St. Andrews,
Holborn, and St. Bride’s Fleet Street for a sum of £189. 3. 11.” (Patent
Roll. 35 Hen. VIII., Pt. III.)
And yet another grant is found in the Patent Roll, 36 Henry VIII., Pt.
XII., by which Thomas Berthelet received the following property in
consideration of a payment of £212. 10. 0.:--
“A house in the parish of St. Bride, known as Salisbury Place formerly
in the occupation of Richard Hyde, and before that belonging to the
dissolved monastery of Godstowe in Oxfordshire.
“A house in the parish of St. Margaret Moyses in Friday Street in the
city of London in the occupation of John Stanes.
“Another house in the same parish in the occupation of James Wilson, and
various houses also in the same parish in the occupation of William
Egleston.
“A house in Distaff Lane in the parish of St. Margaret Moyses in the
occupation of John Greene.
“All the above houses in the parish of St. Margaret’s having formerly
belonged to the monastery of the Graces near the Tower of London.
“Two houses in the parish of St. Bride, Fleet Street, one in the
occupation of John Hulson (scriptoris) and the other in the occupation
of John Lyons goldsmith (aurifabri), both of which were previously part
of the possessions of the Priory and Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem.”
The will of Thomas Berthelet, Citizen and Stationer of London, is dated
September 23, 1555. It directs that his property shall be chiefly
divided between his wife Margery and his two sons, Edward and Anthony,
to each of whom substantial property in land and houses is left, the
elder one receiving the manor of Hilhampton in Hereford.
Thomas Powell, his nephew, and all his godchildren are remembered, also
his wife’s sister; and each apprentice receives the value of his own
yearly royal fee, four pounds.
The will also--
Directs that his body shall be buried in the parish church of St.
Bride’s, Fleet Street, in the Lady Chapel, and gives to his Son and
heir, Edward Barthelett, the manor of Hilhampton alias Ilhampton, in the
Co. of Hereford, and land in Marden, messuages and tenements in Fleet
Street, Bishopsgate Street, and Friday Street, amounting in all to one
third of his estate.
To his Younger Son, Anthony Barthelett, he leaves premises in Distaff
Lane, Friday Street, Bread Street, St. Sepulchre’s parish, St. Andrews,
Holborn, with reversion to elder brother, and Thomas Powell, his nephew.
To his Wife, Margaret (Margery), he gives property in the parish of St.
Andrews, Holborn,
“and the house with the ways walks etc, which I reserve for my own use
in Crokhorne Alley in the said parish of St. Andrews,”
--and a house in the parish of St. Sepulchre, with reversion to the two
sons and the heirs of Margery, his wife.
His goods to be divided into three parts, one to go to his wife, the
second to his two sons, with reversion to Christ’s Hospital, “_lately
erected_.” The third part reserved to pay funeral expenses and provide
the following:--
To Thomas Powell, “nephew,” £40 in goods.
“ Prudence Skynner, goddaughter, 20 shillings.
“ Martha Salvoine, goddaughter, 20 shillings.
“ each of his other godchildren six and eightpence.
“ the church box at St. Bride, 20 shillings.
“ Christ’s Hospital, ten pounds.
“ Alice Cowper, wife’s sister, four pounds in money.
“ each of his apprentices, four pounds in money or money’s worth.
“ son Edward, gold chain weighing 12 ozs.
“ “ Anthony, gold chain weighing 7 ozs.
Residue of goods left to wife, Margery, sole executrix.
[Illustration: PLATE X.
CALF BINDING OF “JUL. CLAUD IGUINI ORATIO AD HEN. VIII.” MADE FOR THE
KING.
See page 78.]
Trustees, John Abingtone, gentleman, clerk of the Queen’s woodyard,
and John Wekes, citizen and goldsmith, with a legacy of four pounds
apiece.
Witnesses, Richard Heywood.
Edward Ridge.
John Hulson.
Probate granted 9ᵗʰ Novʳ 1555.
He probably died shortly after this will was executed, as there is the
following entry in the Stationers’ Hall Book A, of the date 1556:
“Rec^{ḍ} of Margery barthelett wydow XXVI Janu. iijˡ vlˢ viijᵈ which
Tho. Berthelett hyr husbande receuyed of Mr. Chamberlayne to the use of
our companye for Mr. andrewes Rewarde at his settynge over to the
vyntenners.... Item recevyd at the presente tyme of the sayde margery
for a rewarde to the cōpanye for comynge to the sayde thomas bartheletts
his buryal xiii iiij.”
Mrs. Margery eventually married Richard Payne, as is recorded in the
Repertories and Journals of the City of London (13 and 15 Hustings Roll
251. Nos. 10. 11); and Richard Grafton, grocer, and the same Richard
Payne, gentleman, were appointed trustees of the children of Thomas
Berthelet, according to the then custom of the city.