Edward Raban (printer) facts for kids
Edward Raban (died 1658) was an English soldier who later became a printer. He is mostly known for his printing work in Aberdeen, Scotland. He might have been involved in publishing a book called Perth Assembly, which was against some religious changes King James VI wanted.
Edward Raban is famous for being a printer. He arrived in Aberdeen in 1622 and stayed there until he died. We don't know many details about his early life. He was likely born in England, perhaps around 1579. Some people thought he was from Worcestershire. This idea came from a book he printed in 1622, where he mentioned his "father's brother, Peter Raban, a parson at Meltonmowbre in Wooster-shyre." However, Melton Mowbray is actually in Leicestershire, not Worcestershire. Also, no one named Raban was a vicar there. His family might have been German, as his name was sometimes written as "Edward Rabanus, Anglo Britannus, Gente Germanus."
A Soldier's Journey
In 1600, Raban joined the army in the Netherlands. He served as a soldier for about ten years. He fought in the Eighty Years' War and the Anglo-Spanish War. One of his battles was the Battle of Nieuwpoort in July 1600. After his time as a soldier, he traveled across much of Europe. During his travels, he learned the printing trade. He worked in places like Leiden and Amsterdam as early as 1607.
It seems Raban might have helped publish the Perth Assembly. This book criticized King James VI and I's Five Articles of Perth. The book angered the King. It also played a part in why the Pilgrim Fathers left England on the Mayflower.
Becoming a Printer in Scotland
Some old records say Raban first worked as a printer in Edinburgh in 1620. He had a shop there with the sign of the A. B. C. However, newer research shows he was back in Edinburgh by 1616. He worked with Andro Hart, a well-known Scottish printer.
In 1620, Raban moved to St. Andrews. He opened a shop there, also with the A. B. C. sign. He was appointed the official printer for the University of St Andrews. In 1621, he did some printing for Dr. Robert Baron. Dr. Baron likely helped Raban move to Aberdeen in 1622.
It's not clear if the Town Council or the University of Aberdeen first invited Raban. Dr. Robert Baron had a lot of influence with both groups. Bishop Patrick Forbes, a very smart and open-minded church leader, also helped a lot. In Aberdeen, Raban received much support. On November 22, 1622, the Town Council hired him as their official printer. They paid him an annual salary of £40. Bishop Forbes also remained a strong friend to Raban throughout his life.
Raban's house and shop were on the north side of Castle Street. His shop sign was 'The Townes Armes'. He printed steadily from 1622 to 1645. He produced many academic books and other Scottish works.
His last book came out in 1649. The next year, James Brown took over as printer. Many old writers thought Raban died in 1649. But it was later found that he was buried on December 6, 1658. Raban was married twice. First, to Janet Johnston, who died in 1627. His second wife was Janet Ailhous.
