William Bowyer (1663–1737) facts for kids

William Bowyer, a famous printer from the 1700s.

William Bowyer (born in 1663, died December 27, 1737) was an important English printer. A printer is someone who uses a machine to put words and pictures onto paper. When he was young, in 1679, he became an apprentice to another printer named Miles Flesher. This meant he learned the printing trade from him.

Later, in 1700, William Bowyer became a "liveryman" of The Stationers' and Newspaper Makers' Company. This was a special group for people in the book and printing business in London. He was also chosen as one of only twenty printers allowed to work by a powerful group called the Star Chamber, which controlled what could be printed.

The Printing Business

William Bowyer first set up his printing shop in an area called White Friars. He worked there for many years. But in January 1713, a big fire destroyed his printing house and all his supplies. It was a very tough time for him.

Starting Over

Even after the fire, William Bowyer did not give up. He started printing again in October 1713, setting up a new shop in Temple Lane. By 1716, he was doing much better. He received help from a special collection of money, which was allowed by the King. Many people in London's printing business also helped him. This support allowed him to rebuild his business.

A Family Business

William Bowyer's son, also named William Bowyer, was born in 1699. When his son grew up, he joined the family business in June 1722. He worked as a "corrector," which meant he checked the books for mistakes before they were printed.

Father and son worked together for many years. Their printing company became known as one of the most knowledgeable and respected printing houses of their time. They printed very important and scholarly books, like Sir Isaac Newton's famous science book, Philosophiæ Naturalis Principia Mathematica. But they also printed simpler things like political leaflets and advertisements.

Important Records

The Bowyer family kept detailed records of their business. These records are called "ledgers." There are four of these ledgers that still exist today. They are very special because they are some of the earliest and most complete records from a printing business in London from that time. In 1724, there were 74 master printers in London, but only four of them have records that still exist. The Bowyer ledgers are the oldest of these, giving us a look into how printing businesses worked over 20 years before any other records.

Learning About the Bowyers

A lot of what we know about William Bowyer and his son comes from a book written by John Nichols. The book is called Literary Anecdotes of the Eighteenth Century. It shares many stories and facts about important writers and printers from that time.