Identity area
Reference code
Title
Date(s)
- 19 Sep 1684 (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
Itemised receipt of Robert Stephens in the sum of three pounds sixteen shillings six pence from Warden Cotterell, 19 September 1684. Items include: five volumes of G. Letters Books, a statute book, porterage for bringing in the papist books, a book reflecting on the psalms. Personal names: Robert Stephens, James Cotterell.
Appraisal, destruction and scheduling
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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
Related units of description
Notes area
Note
Catalogued
Note
Open