Identity area
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Title
Date(s)
- 15 Nov 1693 (Creation)
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Manuscript
Context area
Name of creator
Biographical history
Stephens was apprenticed to London Stationer and printer Thomas Ratcliffe on 5 April 1658. He completed his apprenticeship in 1666 and worked briefly as a journeyman printer. Stephens was elected to the Livery of the Stationers’ Company in 1682 to general outrage, in a move by the Stationers’ Company to manipulate Lord Mayor elections. He rose to notoriety as a 'Messenger of the Press', simultaneously serving the office of Secretary of State and enforcing the rights of the Stationers' Company to search and seizure. Midnight raids upon the premises of his colleagues, earned him the nickname of 'Robin Hog'. Stephens was known for his corruption, violence, and taking bribes. Stephens also served the Company as an all-round handyman. He was performing search and seizure duties from 1677, and first appeared with the title of Messenger in 1679. He was active as Messenger of the Press between 1679 and 1684, and again between 1689 and 1712.
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Itemised bill of Robert Stephens in the sum of fifteen shillings, received of Warden Phillipps, 15 November 1693. Items include: scouring and drawing of a great carpet, going to the custom house twice, paid Adam the porter for bringing a heap of psalms to the Hall that were doing for Parkhurst from Astwood's, stopped some hymns at Mr Snowden's that was doing for Parkhurst and gave him warning to proceed no further till receiving orders from the Company, a bolt on the garden door.
Place name: Stationers' Hall, Custom House. Personal names: Robert Stephens, William Phillipps, Thomas Parkhurst, James Astwood, Thomas Snowden, Adam the porter.
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Language of material
English
Script of material
Latin
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