John Walter (publisher) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Walter
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| Born | 1 January 1738 London, England
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| Died | 16 November 1812 (aged 74) Teddington, Middlesex, England
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| Education | Merchant Taylors' School |
| Spouse(s) |
Frances Landen
(m. 1759) |
| Children | 6, including John |
| Relatives | Harriet Walter (great-great-great-granddaughter) |
John Walter (born January 1, 1738 – died November 17, 1812) was an important English newspaper publisher. He is famous for starting The Times newspaper. He launched it on January 1, 1785, and it was first called The Daily Universal Register. John Walter was born in London and went to Merchant Taylors' School.
Early Life and Business
John Walter started his career in business. After his father passed away around 1755, he became a successful coal merchant. He even helped create the Coal Exchange in London. This was a place where coal was bought and sold.
Later, around 1781, John Walter changed his focus. He started working as an underwriter, which means he helped insure ships and goods. He also became a member of Lloyd's, a famous insurance market. However, he took too many risks in his new business.
A New Way to Print
In 1782, John Walter found a new way to print. He bought a special patent from a man named Henry Johnson. This patent was for printing using "logotypes." Logotypes were like ready-made blocks of words or parts of words, instead of printing one letter at a time. This made printing faster and easier.
Walter improved this new printing method. In 1784, he bought an old printing office in Blackfriars. This place later became the famous Printing-house Square. Here, he set up his "Logographic Office" to use his new printing technique.
Founding The Times
At first, John Walter's office mainly printed books. But on January 1, 1785, he decided to start a small newspaper. He named it The Daily Universal Register.
The newspaper grew steadily. After publishing 940 issues, on January 1, 1788, he changed its name. The newspaper became known as The Times, the name it still carries today.
Challenges and Family
Running a newspaper was not always easy. John Walter faced some legal challenges because of things published in his newspaper. For example, in 1789, he faced issues related to articles about the Duke of York. He was held for a year. Later, he faced more legal problems.
However, on March 9, 1791, he was set free. The Prince of Wales asked for his release.
By 1799, John Walter had given control of the business to his oldest son, William. He then retired to Teddington in 1795, where he lived until he passed away. John Walter married Frances Landen in 1759, and they had six children together. William Walter later passed the management to his own son, John, in 1803. This kept the newspaper in the family.
