John Cawood (printer) facts for kids
John Cawood (1514–1572) was an important English printer during the 1500s. He came from a well-known family in Yorkshire. When he was young, he learned the printing trade by working for John Reynes, who was famous for binding books.
Contents
Becoming the Royal Printer
In 1553, John Cawood took over from Richard Grafton to become the official Royal Printer for the King or Queen of England. This was a very important job!
What a Royal Printer Does
As the Royal Printer, John Cawood's main job was to print all the official government documents. This included:
- Law books (called "statute books")
- New laws (called "acts")
- Important announcements from the ruler (called "proclamations")
- Official instructions (called "injunctions")
He was paid a salary of £6, 13 shillings, and 4 pence each year for this work. He also got to keep any extra money he made from printing these official items.
Printing Equipment
Around 1553, John Cawood got some printing tools and supplies from another printer named Steven Mierdman. Mierdman had to leave England when Queen Mary I came to power. You can tell Cawood used Mierdman's old equipment because some of the books Cawood printed had special letters (initials) that Mierdman used to use.
Working with the Stationers' Company
In 1557, a group called the Stationers' Company was officially created. This company was like a guild or club for people who worked with books, including printers, publishers, and booksellers. John Cawood was one of the first leaders, called a "Warden," of this new company. He later became the "Master" (the head) of the Stationers' Company three times: in 1561, 1562, and 1566.
Cawood's Generosity
John Cawood was very generous to the Stationers' Company throughout his life. He gave them many valuable gifts. Sadly, most of these gifts were lost in the Great Fire of London in 1666, which destroyed much of the city.
Printing for the Queen
When Queen Mary I was on the throne, John Cawood was her official printer. He printed all the important announcements and laws during her time as queen.
Working with Richard Jugge
When Queen Elizabeth I became queen, another printer named Richard Jugge started printing some of the official announcements. At first, Jugge was called "the Queen's Majesty's Printer." But soon, in January 1559, John Cawood's name was added alongside Jugge's for printing important state papers, like new laws. From then on, they worked together to print these official documents.
Later Life and Legacy
John Cawood passed away in 1572. He had been married three times. His special printer's mark, which was like his personal logo, included his initials.
