Identity area
Reference code
Title
Date(s)
- 11 Jan 1690 (Creation)
Level of description
Extent and medium
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.
Repository
Immediate source of acquisition or transfer
Content and structure area
Scope and content
Receipt of Robert Stephens in the sum of five shillings for subpoenas and expenses upon witnesses against Ben Crayle at his trial, in which he was found guilty for the play Sodom. Personal names: Robert Stephens, Benjamin Crayle.
Appraisal, destruction and scheduling
Accruals
System of arrangement
Conditions of access and use area
Conditions governing access
Conditions governing reproduction
Language of material
English
Script of material
Latin
Language and script notes
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Finding aids
Allied materials area
Existence and location of originals
Existence and location of copies
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Notes area
Note
Catalogued
Note
Open