Identity area
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Title
Date(s)
- 14 Oct 1689 (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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Receipt of Robert Stephens in the sum of ten shillings for indictments against Benjamin Crayle and Joseph Streater for printing and publishing a play called Sodom or the Quintessence of Debauchery. Received of Warden Parkhurst, 14 October 1693. Personal names: Robert Stephens, Benjamin Crayle, Joseph Streater, Thomas Parkhurst.
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Language of material
English
Script of material
Latin
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Open