William Bladen (alderman) facts for kids

William Bladen (1585–1663) was a bookseller and printer who lived in the 1600s. He worked in both London, England, and Dublin, Ireland. William Bladen was an important person in Dublin. He served as a Sheriff, an Alderman (a city council member), and even as the Mayor of Dublin from 1647 to 1648. He was in Dublin during a big event called the Irish Rebellion in 1641–1642.

William Bladen's Early Life and Career

William Bladen was born in 1585. His father, Thomas Bladen, was a farmer from a place called Newton Solney in England. When William was 17, in 1602, he moved to London with his younger brother, Richard. There, William started an apprenticeship. This means he worked for an experienced printer to learn the trade.

Becoming a Printer

After eight years of learning, William finished his apprenticeship on May 7, 1610. He then started his own printing business in London. His shop was at St Paul's Churchyard, right next to the big door of St Paul's Cathedral. His shop sign was a Bible.

In 1624, William's old teacher, Arthur Johnson, went to Dublin. He wanted to set up a printing shop there. By 1626, William decided to move his family to Dublin too. When Johnson passed away in 1631, William took over the business. He bought out the other partners.

The King's Printer

William Bladen became the official King's Printer in Ireland. This was a very special job. It meant he had a monopoly on printing. A monopoly means he was the only one allowed to print certain things, especially official government documents. He ran his business from Castle Street in Dublin.

William Bladen During the Irish Rebellion

During the 1641 Irish Rebellion, William Bladen kept a detailed journal. He wrote down everything that happened. He sent his notes to his son in London. William wanted his son to publish them. He had seen many untrue reports and wanted to share the real story.

William Bladen supported the English government in Dublin. But his writings were fair. He described cruel acts done by both sides, including his own. He served as the Mayor of Dublin from 1647 to 1648.

Printing During Difficult Times

William kept his printing business during the English Civil War and the time of the Irish Confederacy. He even became the Commonwealth Printer. This was during the time when Oliver Cromwell was in charge. However, after the king returned to power in the Restoration, William lost his special title.

King Charles II gave the title of King's Printer to another family. Perhaps William was seen as too close to Oliver Cromwell. William Bladen stayed in Dublin for the rest of his life. He also helped pay to fix St Werburgh's Church.

William Bladen's Family

William Bladen was married two times. His first wife was Mary Young. They married in 1612. They had at least two sons. One son, named Thomas, later became a priest. Another son, also named William, managed the family's printing business in London.

William Bladen married his second wife, Eleanor Pemberton, in 1654 in Dublin. After William Bladen passed away in 1663, his son Thomas continued the family printing business in Dublin.