Richard Atkyns facts for kids

Richard Atkyns (1615–1677) was an English writer. He is best known for his writings about the history of printing.

Early Life and Education

Richard Atkyns came from an old family in Gloucestershire, England. His family had lived there for over a hundred years. He was first taught at home by tutors. Later, he went to the Free (Crypt) Grammar School in Gloucester.

When he was 14, Atkyns went to Balliol College, Oxford. He studied there for two years. He later said he wasn't very good at reading Greek or Latin. After Oxford, he was supposed to study law at Lincoln's Inn. However, he didn't like it and left.

Instead, he traveled abroad with the son of Lord Arundel of Wardour. They visited places like Douai and Paris. Their trip ended early when young Arundel sadly passed away. Atkyns then returned to England.

When his father died in 1636, Richard Atkyns inherited the family lands at age 21. He moved to London and spent time at the royal court. He even helped with plays and parties for Queen Henrietta Maria. But he found he wasn't very good at court life. He described himself as shy and not very hardworking. Soon, the fun at court ended as the English Civil War began.

The English Civil War

In 1642, Richard Atkyns showed his loyalty to the king. He used his own money to create a group of soldiers on horseback. His first fight was near Newnham on Severn. The next year, he fought in battles at Reading and Bath. He also helped capture Bristol and defend Gloucester in September.

Because he supported the king, the Parliament took away his property. But in 1646, Parliament decided to pardon him. He had to pay a fine of £140. After the king returned to power in the Restoration, Atkyns was given new roles. He became a Deputy Lieutenant for Gloucestershire. He also got a job related to printing for the crown. He had held a similar job before, even in 1631. This job caused him to spend a lot of money in legal fights against the Company of Stationers.

The "Exposicio" and Printing History

Around 1660, an old book was found in the library at Cambridge. It was believed to have been printed in Oxford in 1468. The book was titled Exposicio sancti Jeronimi in simbolum apostolorum ad papam Laurentium. Impressa Oxonie et finita anno Domini 1468.

Soon after this discovery, Atkyns wrote and published a paper called The Original and Growth of Printing. He later expanded it in 1664 and published it under his own name. Atkyns became famous for this work. He hoped it would help him regain his wealth. He tried to prove that the right to print belonged only to the king. He also wanted to become the official printer of law books.

Atkyns argued that printing in England started in Oxford. He said that other writers were wrong when they claimed printing began in 1472. His main proof was the Exposicio book. He wrote that a book printed in Oxford in 1468 came into his hands. This was three years before others said printing started in England.

He also claimed there was an old record at Lambeth House. This record supposedly said that Thomas Bourchier, the Archbishop of Canterbury, asked King Henry VI to get a printing press. The king agreed and sent a Mr. R. Turnour and William Caxton to help. They spent a lot of money to bring a printer named Frederick Corsellis from Haarlem. Corsellis was brought to Oxford under guard. He was watched closely until he taught people how to print. Atkyns claimed this meant printing first started in Oxford.

However, Atkyns's story has been proven wrong over time. Many experts have shown that the Exposicio book was printed ten years later, in 1478, not 1468. The date was likely a mistake or a trick. Also, no other books were printed in Oxford until 1479.

The story about the record at Lambeth House also has problems. Caxton, who was supposedly involved, never mentioned it in his own writings. The librarian at Lambeth House, Dr. Ducarel, searched for the record but never found it. He said the whole story about Corsellis was a "fable." It's not clear if Atkyns made up the story or was tricked by others. But it seems he had a personal reason to promote this story.

Later Life and Death

Despite any short-term benefits from his publication, Richard Atkyns faced difficulties. Within three years, he was put in Marshalsea prison in Southwark because of debt. This was partly due to his own choices and partly due to personal difficulties.

He passed away on September 14, 1677. He had no children. Two days later, his relatives buried him in the nearby church of St. George-the-Martyr.