Stephen Brinkley facts for kids

Stephen Brinkley was an English printer who lived around the 1500s. He secretly printed books for Roman Catholics during the time of Elizabeth I of England. Because of this, he was put in prison and treated badly. He managed a hidden printing press that made religious and debate-style books. He disappeared around 1585.

Stephen Brinkley's Secret Printing Work

Joining a Secret Group

Stephen Brinkley joined a secret group of Catholic gentlemen. This group was started by Father George Gilbert. It was even blessed by Pope Gregory XIII in 1580.

The group's main goal was to help Catholic priests. They raised money to support them. They also wanted to share their faith with others. Priests often had to travel in secret back then.

The group helped priests travel safely. They arranged introductions to protect both priests and regular people. Members promised to use their money to help the Church. They worked hard to spread their beliefs.

Setting Up the Hidden Press

At this time, two important Catholic leaders, Father Robert Persons and Edmund Campion, wanted to print many books. They planned to spread their ideas through printing.

Father Persons found a large house in East Ham, Essex, outside London. It was called Greenstreet. With Brinkley's help, Persons moved a printing press and materials there.

Brinkley's seven workers dressed in fancy clothes. They rode nice horses to avoid suspicion. This made them look like wealthy gentlemen, not secret printers.

Printing Challenges and Dangers

The local church leaders asked the new gentlemen to attend services. This was a way to check on them. An accidental purchase of too much paper almost gave away the secret press.

One of Brinkley's servants was caught. He was questioned harshly. Despite these dangers, their first book was printed successfully. It was likely a religious book or one to encourage Catholics.

Brinkley then moved the press again. This time, it went to the home of Francis Browne. In 1581, Father Persons printed a book there. It was called A brief Censure upon two Books.

The government knew that Brinkley's books were being printed in England. They had a fake "Douai" city name on them. The landlord of Greenstreet also became suspicious.

Information about the press was even demanded from Father Briant while he was being questioned. After another move, Brinkley printed a famous book. It was called "Decem Rationes" by Campion.

This book was printed near Henley-on-Thames. On June 27, 1581, copies of this book were found all over the benches at St. Mary's Church in Oxford. It was a bold challenge to the universities.

Capture and Later Life

Edmund Campion was captured near Oxford in July 1581. A few weeks later, Stephen Brinkley and his printers were also caught. Brinkley was taken to the Tower of London.

He was treated badly there. However, he did not suffer the same fate as William Carter. Carter was another Catholic printer who was executed.

Brinkley was released from prison in June 1583. He then traveled with Father Persons to Rome. His name is in the Pilgrim Book of the English College, Rome. The next year, he went to Rouen.

In Rouen, Brinkley continued printing Catholic books. He worked with George Flinton. They printed a second edition of The Christian Directory.

His Legacy in Printing

After George Flinton passed away around 1585, Brinkley kept printing Catholic books. The exact date of Brinkley's own death is not known.

He is believed to have used the fake name James Sancer. A book called The Exercise of a Christian Life was translated from Italian. It was "newly perused and corrected by the translatour." This might have been one of the first books Brinkley printed on his own secret press.