James Simmons (1741–1807) facts for kids

James Simmons was a very busy and important person in Canterbury, England, during the late 1700s and early 1800s. He was born on January 22, 1741, and passed away on his birthday, January 22, 1807. He owned newspapers, sold books, ran a bank, and was a smart businessman. He also worked in local government in Canterbury and even became a Member of Parliament for a short time.

Early Life and Business Beginnings

James Simmons was born in Canterbury, a historic city in England. His father, William Simmons, was a 'Peruke' maker, which means he made wigs. James went to the King's School, Canterbury from 1749 to 1755.

After school, he moved to London in 1757 to learn the trade of a stationer. A stationer sells paper, pens, and other writing materials. He finished his training in 1764. In 1767, he became a freeman of Canterbury. This meant he had special rights to work and live in the city, often passed down from his father. Soon after, he started his own business as a stationer.

Starting the Kentish Gazette Newspaper

In 1768, James Simmons decided to start a new newspaper called the Kentish Gazette. This newspaper came out twice a week. He wanted to compete with an older newspaper, the Kentish Post. The owner of the Kentish Post had refused to work with Simmons.

For about a month, there was a small 'trade war' in Canterbury. Other local printers and stationers, William Flackton and Thomas Smith, were also involved. Eventually, the owner of the Kentish Post agreed to work with Simmons. They formed a long-term partnership. Their business was located on High Street and later at the King's Arms Printing Office & Library on St George's Street.

Besides running a newspaper, their company did many other things. They were stationers, which means they sold office supplies. They also bound books, printed materials, and published books. They even ran a circulating library, where people could borrow books. Plus, they sold special medicines.

Public Service and Business Ventures

James Simmons was very active in the local government of Canterbury. In 1769, he was elected to the Common Council, which helped run the city. He served as the Sheriff of Canterbury from 1772 to 1773. In 1774, he became an Alderman, another important city official. His first time serving as Mayor of Canterbury was in 1776.

Improving Canterbury City

Between 1787 and 1791, Simmons was a key person in the Pavement Commission. This group was set up by a special law to make Canterbury better. Their job was to improve the paving, cleaning, lighting, and watching (security) of the city. Simmons was the Treasurer for this important commission.

When he was Mayor for a second time, Simmons continued to modernize Canterbury. He helped create a new market building called the Buttermarket. He also oversaw the removal of several old medieval city gates. He was also responsible for buying and improving the Dane John Gardens. This beautiful park is still an important green space in Canterbury today.

Expanding Business Interests

Beyond his book and newspaper businesses, Simmons had other ventures. In 1782, he was appointed as the Distributor of Stamps for East Kent. This meant he managed the sale of special stamps needed for legal documents and newspapers.

He also started the Canterbury Bank with his partner, Henry Gipps. This bank eventually joined with Lloyds Bank in 1918. The bank was located on the corner of St Margaret's Street and High Street, where a Lloyds Bank still stands today.

In 1791, Simmons started a new business as a miller. He built a brand new mill called Abbot's Mill on the River Stour. This mill was designed by a famous engineer named John Smeaton.

He also had an idea to build a canal from Canterbury to the sea at Reculver. This plan was not successful during his lifetime. After Simmons passed away, people tried again to start a canal company in 1811. However, the project was eventually stopped in 1825. This was because George Stephenson was planning to build the Canterbury and Whitstable Railway, which would connect the city to the coast by train instead.

Serving in Parliament

In October 1806, James Simmons was elected as one of the two Members of Parliament for Canterbury. This meant he represented his city in the national government. However, he did not serve for very long. He passed away at the age of 66 in London in 1807. He was buried in St Mildred's Churchyard in Canterbury.

James Simmons married Charlotte Mantell of Tenterden in 1776.