Anne Esdall facts for kids

Anne Esdall (born Middleton; around 1718 – around 1795) was an amazing Irish woman. She worked as a printer, publisher, and bookseller. This was very unusual for women in the 1700s!

Anne Esdall's Story

Anne Middleton was born around 1718. She married James Esdall on August 31, 1745. James was also a printer, publisher, and bookseller. They lived in Dublin, Ireland.

Running the Family Business

James sometimes had problems with the law. This was because of things printed in his newspapers. When he was away, Anne bravely took over his printing shop. It was located in Copper-Alley on Cork Hill.

This was a very tough time for Anne. She faced many money worries and emotional stress. But she kept their newspaper, Esdall's News-letter, going. She managed this from 1745 to 1755. At the same time, she was raising their four children!

A Woman in Print

In the 1700s, it was rare for women to run businesses. Most women who did were widows. They usually inherited the business from their husbands. Anne was special because she took charge while her husband was still alive.

In December 1749, Anne was called to speak. She had to go before the Irish House of Commons. This was a powerful government group. They wanted to know who wrote some "scandalous" (very controversial) articles. These articles were in her husband's publications.

Anne told them the author was Charles Lucas. He was a politician who often caused debate. James Esdall had worked with Lucas for a long time. After Anne spoke, copies of the newspaper were publicly burned. The Guild of St Luke, a group for printers, was warned. They were told to control their members.

Later Life and Challenges

James Esdall returned to Dublin in 1750. He kept publishing controversial works. One famous one was The case and tryal of John Peter Zenger (1750). But the problems with the Lucas case had affected his health.

James died on March 24, 1755. Anne planned to continue the business. However, in June 1755, she decided to sell everything. This included the printing tools, shop items, and even her household furniture.

Her husband's apprentice, Henry Saunders, took over the News-letter. He renamed it Saunder's News-letter in 1755. Later, Charles Lucas's good name was restored. He was even elected as a Member of Parliament in 1761.

Anne Esdall faced difficult times again later in life. In 1768, she asked the Guild of St Luke for help. She asked again in 1795. This was after her son died, and she was in "distressed circumstances" (had money problems). The Guild gave her three guineas (a type of money). It is thought that she died soon after this in 1795.

Anne and James Esdall had four children. One of them was William Esdall (around 1750 – 1795). He became a talented artist and engraver.

See also

• List of women printers and publishers before 1800