PLATE VI.
CALF BINDING OF A COPY OF THE WORKS OF ST. CHRYSOSTOM, PRINTED AT BASLE IN 1530. MADE FOR HENRY VIII.
natiuitie of our lorde god next commynge shalbe voyde and of none effecte. And further be it enacted by the auctorite afore sayde, that no person or persons, resiant or inhabitant within this realme after the sayd feast of Christmas next comyng shal bie to sel ageyne any printed bokes brought from any parties out of the kynges obeysance, redye bouden in bordes, lether, or parchement, uppon peyne to lose and forfayte for everye boke bounde oute of the sayde kynges obeysance, and brought into this realme, and bought by any person or persons within the same to sell agayne, contrarie to this act, syxe shyllynge eyghte pence.
“And be it further enacted by the auctorite afore-sayde, that no persone or persones inhabytant or resiante within this realme, after the saide feast of Christmas, shall bye within this realmes, of any stranger, borne oute of the kynges obedience other then of denizens, any manner of printed bokes, brought from any the parties beyond the see, except onely by engrose and not by retayle: upon peine of forfaiture of VIˢ VIIIᵈ for every boke so bought by retayle, contrarie to the fourme and effect of this estatute, the said forfaytures, to be always leuied of the byers of any suche bookes, contrarie to this act; etc. Provided alwaye, etc.”
This act, stringent though it seems, was not of much effect, as presently appears by a study of the transcripts of the Stationers Company, most usefully reprinted by Mr. Edward Arber, amongst which will be found several rules and ordinations concerning the foreign bookbinders. These men, undoubtedly skilful in their trade, ultimately settled here in considerable numbers, and not only became naturalized Englishmen, but in all probability eventually benefited our styles and methods by the introduction of new ideas and a high standard of technical workmanship. A second great irruption of foreign workmen, binders among them, took place in England in 1685, on the revocation of the Edict of Nantes. On this occasion, also, it is probable that our native styles and methods ultimately benefited considerably by the importation of new blood.
Nothing is known about Thomas Berthelet until he became connected with the state printing under Henry VIII. He succeeded Richard Pynson as royal printer and binder in 1530, and received his appointment to this position by means of a royal patent. This patent is the earliest of the kind known, for although Pynson called himself “Printer unto the King’s noble grace,” his official authority for doing so is not forthcoming.
Berthelet’s is, however, extant, and reads as follows:—
“Rex omnibus ad quos praesentes, ac, salutem. Sciatis quod nos de gratia nostra speciali, ac ex certa scientia, & mero motu nostris dedimus & concessimus, ac per praesentes damus et consedimus dilecto servienti nostro Thomae Barthelet impressori nostro quandam annuitatem, sive quendam annualem redditum quatuor librarum sterlingorum, habendum & annuatim percipiendum proedictam annuitatem sive annualem redditum quatuor librarum eidem Thomae Barthelet, à festo Paschae, anno regni nostro vicesimo primo, durante vita sua de thesauri nostro ad receptam scaccarii nostri per manus thesaurarum & camerarii nostrorum ibidem pro tempore existendo ad festa sancti Michaelis archangeli & Paschae per equales portiones &c., quod expressamentio &c. In cujus, &c. testimonium rei apud Westmonasteriensem, vicesimo secundo die Februarii, anno regni Henrici VIII., vicesimo primo. Per breve privato sigillo.”
It will be seen that by virtue of this document Berthelet enjoyed a life income of four pounds sterling annually, the same sum that had been given to Richard Pynson in September, 1515. There is also a note to this effect among the Patent Rolls. (21 Hen. VIII., Pt. II. m. 17, dated York Place 13ᵗʰ Feby 21 Hen. VIII.)
Not only was he thus marked for the king’s favour, but he also enjoyed what in those days was considered a high honour; he was granted a coat of arms by Clarenceulx, king of arms, on September 1, 1549. This grant exists in the College of Arms in London, and the arms are thus described:—
“The armes and creste of Thomas Berthelet of London, esquyer, gentillman; he bereth asure on a cheveron flore contre flore argent, betwene three doves of the same, thre trefiles vert. per chrest. upon his helm, out of a crounall silver two serpents endorsed asure ventred gold open mouthed, langued and eyed geules, there tailes comyng up in saulre under thire throtes, the endes of the tailes entering into their eres, langued and armed geules manteled geules, doubled silver, as more plainly apperith depicted in this margent; graunted and given by me Thomas Hawley alias Clarenceulx, Kyng of armes, the first day of September in the thirde yere of the reygne of our soverange lorde Kynge Edward the VI etc.”
Pynson used heraldic emblems with the helmet of an esquire on some of his bindings; but he appears to have assumed the dignity without official warrant.
Berthelet’s continued presence in England was also considered of sufficient importance to justify a special exemption in his favour from serving the king abroad in his wars in France. (Patent Roll. 36 Hen. VIII., Pt. II.)
In the state papers preserved in the Record Office in London are several notices referring to the official printing work done by Thomas Berthelet. These testify to the importance and confidential nature of the work intrusted to him, and show how he was sometimes, on particularly urgent or secret occasions, ordered to set up the type himself, and also was obliged to take an oath of secrecy. Misprints were evidently a thorn in his side, more than one entry referring to such difficulties, of which doubtless numbers escaped official notice. From these entries I have chosen a few for quotation.
Treasurer of the Chamber’s Accounts.
Oct 22ⁿᵈ 1530. To Thos Bartlet (Berthelet) for printing 1600 papers and books of proclamation for ordering and punishing sundry beggars and vacabundes, and dampnyng of books containing certain errors, at 1ᵈ per leaf. £8 6ˢ 8ᵈ.
(Trevelyan Papers. Record Office. Letters and Papers Hen. 8ᵗʰ Vol. 5. p. 322.)
Richard Croke to Cromwell 17ᵗʰ Septʳ. 1532.
After I left, Bartelot, the printer, told me that Goodrycke requested him to advertise the King of certain errors in “The Glasse off Truthe,” which Bartelot refused, saying he had moved the King in such matters beforetime, and his Grace was not content with it. Though this was told Croke secretly, thinks it his duty to make it known to Cromwell, and that he should get out by policy from Goodricke what errors he notes. Thinks that Bartelot will speak of it to others.
(Letters and Papers Hen. 8ᵗʰ Vol. 5. No. 1320. p. 572.)
Cromwell to Sir Thomas Audeley, Lord Chancellor. 11ᵗʰ Novʳ. 1534.
It is necessary to have some copies of the proclamation printed to night, that they may be sent to sundry parts with the books of answer. Desires him to send a true copy by the bearer. Will then send for Bartelet the printer, swear him and cause him to have them printed to-night. The Rolls, 11 Nov.
Asks him to have the proclamations written and sealed, and bring them to-morrow at 10 o’clock. The duke of Norfolk and he will tarry dinner till he comes.
Below is Audeley’s answer.
Will have 20 proclamations written as Cromwell wishes. Has commanded Crooke to deliver one true original to Bartelott with orders to set the print himself to-night, and make speed. Will be with Cromwell to-morrow at the hour appointed.
(Letters and Papers Hen. 8ᵗʰ Vol. 7. p. 535. No. 1415.)
The most important as well as the most interesting document concerning Berthelet is a long bill of his, giving details of books supplied by him to King Henry VIII., between the dates 1541-1543. This bill is written on twelve leaves of paper, and with it a warrant on vellum, signed by the king, ordering the payment to be made. Berthelet’s autograph receipt is also appended. This document was purchased by the British Museum in 1870, and although it does not seem that any of the items mentioned in it can positively be identified, there are many instances in which it is likely enough that in the same museum are some of the actual books referred to. (Add. MS. 28. 196.)
Several of the entries in this bill are of great interest. We find that many of the bindings were bound back to back; none now remain that were made at so early a date, but several instances of this curious method of binding that were made during the seventeenth century, bound both in leather and in satin, still exist.
White leather “gorgiously gilted on the leather” is mentioned more than once, and velvet, purple, and black were occasionally used, but the style of the decoration of it is left entirely to the imagination.
Again, “Crymosyn satin” only is mentioned, without any word of embroidery or other ornamentation, while leather, probably brown calf, is here and there described as being “gorgiously gilte,” and also “bounde after the Italian” or “Venecian fascion.”
The prices in this bill should be multiplied by about twelve to bring them into line with our present currency.
The bill is worded as follows:—
We wolle and commaunde you that of suche our Treausour as in your handes remayneth ye doe ymedyatly upon the sighte herof pay or doe to be paide unto our trustie servaunte Thomas Berthelett our prynter the somme of one hundred seventene pounds sixepence and one halfepeny sterlyng. The whiche is due and owyng by us unto hym for certeyne parcelles delyvered by the seid Thomas unto us and other at our commandement as in this booke, whereunto this our present warraunte is annexed particularly dothe appere. And these our lettres signed with our hande shalbe unto you a suffycient warraunte and discharge for the same. Yoven under our Signemanuell, at our Manour of Wodstooke, the xxiiijṭị of September, the xxxv yere of our reigne.
To our right trustie and righte welbeloved Sr. Edward Northe, Knyghte, treausourer of thaugmentaciouns of the Revenues of our Crowne.
Receyved of sir Edward North, Knight, treasourer of the Augmentations, the sayd summe of one hundred seventene poundes vj. d. ob. according to the tenour of this warrant, the 29 day September, aᵒ regni regis Henrici viij, xxxv.
Anno Domini 1541, et anno regni serenissimi et invictissimi Regis Henrici Octavi, Dei gratia Anglie Francie et Hibernie Regis, fidei Defensoris, et in terra Ecclesie Anglicane et Hibernice Supremi Capitis, tricesimo tercio.
In primis, delyvered to my Lorde Chaumcellour, the ixth day of December, xxṭị Proclamacons, made for the enlargyng of Hatfeld Chace, printed in fyne velyme, at vjḍ the pece. Summa, 10s.
Item delyvered to the Kinges hyghnes, the xxx day of December, a Newe Testament in englisshe and latyn, of the largest volume, price 3s.
Item delyvered to the Kinges hyghnes, the vj day of January, a Psalter in englisshe and latyne, covered with crimoysyn satyne, 2s.
Item delyvered the same tyme, a Psalter, the Proverbes of Salomon, and other smalle bookes bounde together, price 16d.
Item delyvered to the Kinges hygnes, for a little Psalter, takyng out of one booke and settyng in an other in the same place, and for gorgious byndyng of the same booke, xijᵈ and to the Goldesmythe, for taking of the claspes and corner, and for settyng on the same ageyne xvjḍ Summa 2s. 4d.
Item delyvered unto the Kinges hyghnes, the xv day of January, a New Testament in latyne, and a Psalter englisshe and latyne, bounde backe to backe, in white leather, gorgiously gilted on the leather; the bookes came to ijS. the byndyng and arabaske drawyng in golde on the transfile, iiijṣ Summa 6s.
Item delyvered to the Kinges hyghnes, the xviij day of January, a booke called Enarraciones Evangeliorum Dominicalium, bounde in crymosyn satyne; the price 3s. 4d.
Item delyvered to the Kinges hig(h)nes, the xxiij day of January, a booke of the Psalter in englisshe and latyne, the price viijᵈ; and a booke entiteled Enarraciones Evangeliorum Dominicalium, the price xijḍ; and for the gorgious byndyng of them, backe to backe, iijṣ iiijḍ Summa 5s.
Item delyvered to Maister Hynwisshe, to the Kinges use, a paper booke of vj queres royall, gorgiously bounde in leather 7s. 6d.
Item delyvered to my Lorde Chauncellour, the xxv day of January vjᶜ. Proclamacions concernyng the Kinges stile; eche of them conteynyng one leafe of bastarde paper, at jḍ the pece. Summa 50ṣ
Item delyvered to my Lorde Chauncellour, the iiij day of February, vjᶜ. Proclamacions concernyng eatyng of whyte meates; eche of them conteyning one hole leafe of Jene paper, at ob. the pece, 25ṣ
Item delyvered the xxvᵗʰ day of February, to the Kinges hyghnes, Ambrosius super epistolas sancti Pauli xxḍ
Item one Psalter in englisshe, in viijᵒ xxᵈ.
Item ij litle Psalters, xvjḍ Summa 4s. 8d.
Item delyvered to the Kinges hyghnes, the laste day of February, xij bookes intitled Summaria (in) Evangelia et Epistolas ut leguntur, ij bounde in paper bordes at viijᵈ the pece, and x in forrelles, at vjᵈ the pece, 6s. 4d.
Item delyvered to the Kinges hyghnes, the iij day of Marche, one Summaria in Evangelia et Epistolas, gorgiously bounde, and gilte on the leather, price 2s.
Item delyvered the same day, ij bookes, intitled Conciliaciones locorum Althemeri, price 4s.
Item delyvered to the Kinges hyghnes, the same day, one Opus Zmaragdi, price 4s. 8d.
Item delyvered to the Kinges hyghnes, the vth day of Marche, one Novum Testamentum, bounde with a Summaria, price 2s.
Item delyvered to the Kinges hyghnes, the ix day of Marche, one Novum Testamentum, in latyne, bounde with a Summaria super Epistolas et Evangelia, 2s.
Item delyvered to the Kinges hyghnes, the xijᵗ day of Marche, one Authoritas allegabiles sacre scripture, with one Summaria in Evangelia et Epistolas, gorgiously bounde in whyte, and gilte on the lether, iiij Item, Sedulius in Paulum at iijs. Item, Petrus Lumberdus in Epistolas sancti Pauli, at iijˢ iiijᵈ. Item, Homelie ven. Bede in Epistolas Dominicalis, at xvjᵈ. Item, Questiones Hugonis super Epistolas sancti Pauli, ijṣ Summa 13s. 8d.
Item delyvered to the Kinges Maiestie, the xv day of Marche, Thomas de Aquino, in Evangelia Dominicalia, et Homelie Bede, una ligati cum alijs; price 2s 8d.
Item, Psalterium in latyne, and a Psalter in englisshe, una legati; price 2s. 8d.
Item, Arnobius super psalmos, 2s.
Item, Haymo super psalmos, 2s.
Item, Jo, de Turre-cremata super Evangelia, 2s 8d.
Item, Omelia Haymonis super Evangelia, 16d.
Item delyvered to the Kinges hyghnes, the xvj day of Marche, one Arnobius super Psalterium, bounde with other bookes, 2s.
Item, delyvered to the Kinges hyghnes, the xviij day of Marche, one Arnobius super Psalterium, and one Psalter in englisshe, price 2s. 8d.
Item delyvered to the Kinges hyghnes, the xix day of Marche, Homilie Bede hyemales, bounde with his Homilijs on the Pistles, price 2s. 8d.
Item, Homilie Bede aestivales, bound alone, price 20d.
Item delyvered to the Kinges hyghnes, the xxiij day of Marche, Homelie Bede pars estivalis, bounde with his Homilies on the Epistoles, price 2s. 8d.
Item the same day, delyvered to his grace, Enarraciones sancti Thome de Aquino super Evangelia, bounde with Homilijs Bede super Epistolas, the price 2s. 8d.
Item delyvered to the Kinges hyghnes, the xxvᵗⁱ day of Marche, one Psalter in latyne of Colines printe, and one in englisshe, bounde together; the price ijˢ viiiᵈ. Item, Arnobius super Psalterium, and a Psalter in englisshe, bound together, price ijˢ viijᵈ. Item, San(c)tus Thomas de Aquino super Mathuem, the price ijˢ. Summa 6ṣ 8ḍ
Item delyvered to the Kinges hyghnes, the xxvij day of Marche, one Cathena aurea divi Thome de Aquino in Evangelia Dominicalia, price ij iiijᵈ.
Item the same day delyvered to his hyghnes, one Postilla Guilielmi Par(is)iensis, price ijṣ Summa 5s. 4d.
Item delyvered to the Kinges hyghnes, the xxviij dau of Marche, one Enarraciones sancti Thome de Aquino in Evangelia Dominicalia, with Homilijs ven. Bede in Epistolas ut per totum annum leguntur in templis, price ijˢ viijᵈ. Item, Psalterium in latine, with Arnobius super Psalmos; the price ijˢ viijᵈ. Item, Faber super Epistolas Catholicas the price xxᵈ. Item, Dydimus Alexandrianus, with Beda upon the Epistolas Catholicas, price ijˢ. Item, one Catanus super Evangelia, price iijˢ iiijᵈ Summa 12s.
Item delyered to the Kinges hyghnes, the xxx day of Marche, one Cathena Aurea divi Thome Super Evangelia in duobos, price 5s.
Item delyvered the same day to his grace, one Dionysius Carth.; and a Faber Stampe super Epistolas Catholicas, price 3s.
Item delyvered the same day, one Dydimus Alexandrinus, and Beda super Epistolas Catholicas, price 2s.
Item delyvered to the Kinges hyghnes, the ij day of Aprill, one Thomas de Aquino in Evangelia Dominicalia, and Beda super Epistolas, bounde together, price 2s 8d.
Item delyvered to the Kinges hyghnes, the same day, one Homilie Johannis Chrysostomi in Matheum, the price 2s.
Item, one Homilie Jo. Chrysostomi in Johannem Marcum et Lucam, price 2s. 4d.
Item delyvered to the Kinges hyghnes, the xjᵗ day of Aprill, Dionysium Carthus. in Evang. in viij, bound in ij, price 5s.
Item delyvered the same day, to my Lorde Chauncellour of England, iiijᶜ Proclamacions concernyng stealyng of haukes egges, and kepyng of soure haukes; eche conteynyng a leafe of basterde paper, at jᵈ the pece. Summa 35s.
Item delyvered to my Lorde Chauncellour the xvj day of Aprill, iiijᶜ Proclamacions concernyng stealing of haukes eggs, and kepyng of soure haukes; eche of them conteynyng a hole leaffe of Jene paper at ob. the pece. Summa 16s. 8d.
Item for iiijᶜ of the same, that were new made ageyne, at ab. the pece. Summa 16s. 8d.
Item delyvered to my Lorde Chauncellour of England, the xx day of Aprill, all these Actes followyng, printed in Proclamacions; that is to wete, vᶜ of the Acte concernyng counterfeit lettres or privie tokens, to receyve money or goodes in other mens handes; eche of them conteynyng a leaffe of Jene paper, at ob. the pece, 20s. 10d.
Item delyvered vᶜ of the Acts concernyng bying of fisshe upon the see; eche of them conteyning one hole leaffe of basterde paper, at jḍ the pece. Summa 41s. 8d.
Item delyvered ijᶜ of the Acte concernyng foldyng of clothes in North Walles, eche of them conteynyng halfe a leaffe of basterde paper, at ob. the pece. Summa 8s. 4d.
Item vᶜ of the Acte concernyng pewterers; eche of them conteynyng one hole leaffe of basterde paper, at jᵈ ob. the pece. Summa 3l. 2s. 6d.
Item C of the Acte concernyng kepyng of greate horsses; eche of them conteynyng ij hoole leafes of basterde paper, at ijᵈ the pece. Summa 4l. 3s. 4d.
Item Vᶜ of the Acte concernyng crossboues and hande gonnes; eche of them conteynyng iij holle leaves dim. of basterde paper at iijᵈ ob. the pece. Summa 7l. 5s. 10d.
Item Vᶜ of the Acte concernyng the conveyaunce of brasse, latene, and bell metall over the see; eche of them conteynyng one holle leafe of basterde paper, at jᵈ the pece. Summa 41s. 8d.
Item vᶜ of the Acte ageynst conjuracions, witchecraftes sorcery, and inchauntementes eche of them conteynyng one holle leafe of Jene paper, at ob. the pece. Summa 20s. 10d.
Item vᶜ of the Acte for the mayntenaunce of artillarie, debarryng unlaufull games; eche of them conteynyng iiij holle leaves of basterde paper, at llljᵈ the pece. Summa 8l. 6s. 8d.
Item vᶜ of the Acte concernyng the execucion of certeyne Statutes; eche of them conteynyng iij hoole leaves dim. of bastarde paper, at iijᵈ ob. the pece. Summa 7l. 5s. 10d.
PLATE VIII.
UPPER COVER OF THE CALF BINDING OF VOL. I. OF A BIBLE PRINTED AT ANTWERP IN 1534. MADE FOR HENRY VIII. AND QUEEN ANNE BOLEYN.
Item vᶜ of the Acte for bouchers to selle at their libertie, by weyghte or otherwise; eche of them conteynyng one holle leafe of basterde paper, at 1ᵈ the pece. 41s. 8d.
Item vᶜ of the Acte for murdre and malicius bloudshed within the Courte; eche of them conteynyng iij hole leaves dim. of Basterde paper at iijᵈ ob. the pece. Summa 7l. 5s. 10d.
Item xij of the Acte concernyng certeyne Lordships, translated from the Countie of Denbigh to the Countie of Flynt; eche of them conteynyng one hoolle leaffe of basterde paper, at jᵈ the pece. Summa 12d.
Item vᶜ of the Acte concernyng false prophesies upon declaracion of armes, names, or badges; eche of them conteynyng a dim. leafe of basterde paper, at ob. the pece, 20s. 10d.
Item vᶜ of the Acte concernyng the translation of the saynctuarie from Manchestere to Westechester; eche of them conteynyng one hoolle leaffe dim. of basterde paper, at jᵈ ob. the pece. Summa 3l. 2s. 6d.
Item vᶜ of the Acte for worsted yarne in Northefolke; eche of them conteynyng a hoolle leaffe of basterde paper, at jᵈ the pece. Summa 41s. 8d.
Item vᶜ of the Acte for confirmacion and continuacion of certeyne Actes; eche of them conteynyng one hoolle leafe of basterde paper, at jᵈ the pece. Summa 41s. 8d.
Item vᶜ of the Acte for the true making of kerseyes; eche of them conteynyng one holle leafe dim, of basterde paper, at jᵈ ob. the pece. Stmma 3l. 2s. 6d.
Item vᶜ of the Acte expondyng a certeyn Statute concernyng the shippyng of clothes; eche of them conteynyng a dim leafe of basterde paper, at ob. the pece. Summa 20s. 10d.
Item for the byndyng of ij Primmers, written and covered with purple velvet, and written abowte with golde, at iijˢ the pece. Summa 6s.
Item delyvered to the Kinges hyghnes, the vj day of Maye, xij of the Statutes made in the Parliament holden in the xxxiijᵗⁱ yere of his moste gracious reigne; at xvjᵈ the pece. Summa 16s.
Item delyvered to Mr James, Maister Denes servaunte for the Kinges hyghnes use, the xvjᵗʰ day of Maye, a greate booke of paper imperiall, bound after the facion of Venice, price 15s.
Item delyvered to the seid Maister James, for the Kinges hyghnes use, another greate booke of paper imperiall, bounde after the Italian fascion, the price 14s.
Item delyvered the xiiij day of June, to Maister Daniell, servaunte to Maister Deny, to the Kinges hyghnes use, ij bookes of paper royall, bound after the Venecian fascion, the price, 18s.
Item delyvered to Maister Secretory, Maister Wrysley the v day of November, iij dosen bookes of the Declaracion of the Kinges hyghnes title to the soverayntie of Scotland, at iiijᵈ the pece. Summa 12s.
Item delyvered to Maister Jones, servaunte to Maister Deny, the xxx daye of December, v Tullius de Officijs, bounde in paper bourdes, at xvjᵈ the pece, and one gorgiously gilted for the Kinges hyghnes, price iijˢ iiiᵈ Summa, 10s.
Item for byndyng of a paper booke for the Kinges hyghnes, and the gorgious giltyng thereof, delyvered the xiiij day of January to Mr Turner, 3s. 4d.
Item delyvered to Maister Hynnige, for the Kinges hyghnes use the vij day of Febr. a greate paper booke of royall paper, bounde after the Venecian fascion, price 8s.
Item delyvered the ix day of February, to my Lorde Chauncellour, vjᶜ of the Proclamacions for white meates, at ob. the pece, 25s.
Item delyvered the vj day of Marche, iij bookes of “The Institution of a xp’en man,” made by the clergy, vnto the Kinges most honerable Counsayll at xxᵈ the pece, 5s.
Item delyvered the vj day of Aprill, to Maister Henry Knyvett, for the Kinges hyghnes, a bridgement of the Statutes, gorgiously bounde, 5s.
Item delyvered to the Kinges moost honerable Counsaill, the viiij day of Aprill, iij litle bookes of the Statutes, price xijḍ Item iij bookes of the vj Articles, price vjḍ Item iij of the Proclamacions ageynst Anabaptistes, price vjḍ Item iij Proclamacions of ceremones, price vjḍ Item iij of the Injunccions, price vjḍ Item iij of holy dayes, price iijḍ Summa. 3s. 3d.
Item delyvered to my Lorde Chauncellour of England the iiij daye of Maye, ijᶜ Proclamacions concernyng the price of suger, conteynyng one hole leafe of basterde paper, at jḍ the pece. Summa. 16s. 8d.
Item for the byndyng of a booke written on vellim, by Maister Turner, covered with blacke velvet, 16d.
Item delyvered to my Lorde Chauncellor, the xxxj day of Maye, vᶜ of the Acte for the advauncement of true religion and abolisshment of the contrarie, made out in Proclamacions; eche of them conteynyng iii leaves dim. of greate basterde paper, at iijd. ob. the pece. Summa, 7l. 5s. 10d.
Item delyvered vᶜ of the Acte for the explanacion of the statutes of willes, made out in Proclamacions; eche of them conteynyng iii leaves of great basterd paper, at iijd the pece. Summa, 6s. 5d.
Item delyvered vᶜ of the Acte agaynst suche parsones as doe make bankeruptes, made out in Proclamacions, eche of them conteynyng two greate leaves of basterde paper, at ijd. the pece. Summa, 4l. 3s. 4d.
Item delyvered vᶜ of the Acte for the preservacion of the ryver of Severne, made oute in Proclamacions; eche of them conteynyng two small leaves of paper, at jd, the pece; 41s. 8d.
Item delyvered vᶜ of the Acte concernyng collectours and receyvours, made out in Proclamacions; eche of them conteyning a leafe dim. of paper, at jd. the pece. Summa, 41s. 8d.
Item delyvered vᶜ of the Acte for the true making of coverlettes in Yorke, made oute in Proclamacions; eche of them conteyning ij smalle leaves of paper, at jd. the pece. Summa. 41s. 8d.
Item delyvered vᶜ of the Acte for the assise of cole and woode, made owt in Proclamacions; eche of them conteynyng a leafe of smalle paper, at ob. the pece. Summa, 20s. 10d.
Item delyvered vᶜ of the Acte, that persons, beyng noe common surgions, may mynistre outwarde medycines, made oute in Proclamacions; eche of them conteynyng a leafe of smalle paper, at ob. the pece. Summa, 20s. 10d.
Item delyvered vᶜ of the Acte to auctorise certeyne of the Kinges majesties counsaill to sett prices upon wines; made out in Proclamacions, eche of them conteynyng a leafe of paper, at ob. the pece. Summa, 20s. 10d.
Item delyvered vᶜ of the Acte for the true making of pynnes, made out in Proclamacions; eche of them conteynyng halfe a leafe of paper, at ob. the pece. Summa, 10s 5d ½d.
Item delyvered vᶜ of the Acte for the true making of frises and cottons in Wales, made oute in Proclamacions; eche of them conteynyng a leafe of paper, at ob. the pece. Summa, 21s. 8d.
Item delyvered fiftie of the Acte for pavying of certeyne lanes
and streets in London and Westm., made out in Proclamacions; eche of them conteynyng ij leaves of smalle paper, at jd. the pece, 4s. 2d.
Item delyvered fiftie of the Acte for knyghtes and burgeses to have places in the parliament, for the county-palantyne and citie of Chester, made out in Proclamacions; eche of them conteynyng a leaffe of smalle paper, at ob. the pece; 2s. 1d.
Item delyvered fourtie bookes of the Acte for certeyne ordenaunces in the Kinges majesties dominion and principalitie of Wales, at iiijᵈ the pece. Summa 13s. 4d.
Item delyvered to the Kinges highnes, the firste day of June, xxiiij bookes intitled “A necessary doctrine for any Christen man,” at xvjd. the pece. Summa, 32s.
Item delyvered to the Kinges hyghnes, the third day of June xxiiij bookes intitled “A necessary doctrine for any Christen man,” at xvjᵈ the pece. Summa, 32s.
Item delyvered to the Kinges hyghnes, the iiij day of June, xxiiij of the booke intitled “A necessary doctryne for any Christen man,” at xvjd the pece. Summa, 32s.
Item delyvered to Maister Stokeley, the xij day of June, xij Proclamacions for the advancement of true religion, at iijd. ob. the pece; 3s. 6d.
Item xx of the Proclamacions of the Acte for explanacion of the statute of willes, at iijd the pece. Summa, 5s.
Item xj proclamacions of the Acte of bankerupte, at ijd. the pece. Summa, 3s. 4d.
Item xx Proclamacions of the Acte for Severne, at jd. the pece. Summa, 20d.
Item xx Proclamacions of the Acte of collectours and receyvours, at jd, the pece, 20d.
Item xx Proclamacions of the Acte for making of coverlettes in Yorke, at jd. the pece. Summa, 20d.
Item xx of the Proclamacions, that persones beyng noe comon surgions may ministre outewarde medicynes, at ob. the pece. Summa, 10d.
Item xx Proclamacions of the Acte for certeyne of the Kinges maiesties counsaill to sett prices of wynes; at ob. the pece. Summa, 10d.
Item xx Proclamacions of the Acte for true making of pynnes, at qᵃ the pece, 5d.
Item xx Proclamacions of the Acte for true making of frises and cottons in Wales; at ob. the pece. Summa, 10d.
Summa totalis, cxvijli vj. d. ob.
THOMAS AUDELEY,
Cancellarius.
The consideration of Thomas Berthelet as a printer is foreign to my present purpose; the subject is a large one, and requires special treatment and a long and careful study. There are more works left that were printed by Berthelet than there are of any other of our early English printers, and the greater number of the works he chose for reproduction are important and valuable,—147 books are known to have been printed by him. Many of Berthelet’s types are very beautiful. Some of them are black letter; perhaps one of the finest founts is that used for the Confessio Amantis of John Gower. Plate II. shows a reproduction of the beautiful title-page of this book, of which I believe the border is one of Berthelet’s own designing, or at all events made by the design of the stamps used on his bindings; the resemblance of many of the black curves printed in this book to those used in gold on the leather will be at once apparent. Whenever any student ventures upon a close examination of the printed work of Berthelet, he will be met with an important initial difficulty, which is, that Berthelet’s nephew and successor, Thomas Powell, was misguided enough to leave out the word “late” on several of his imprints; that is to say, he printed many books absolutely as if they had been issued by Berthelet himself, using the same types and the same trade expressions altogether. In many instances it will be almost impossible to decide definitely whether a particular book was printed by the master himself or only by his man.
In the long list of works printed by Berthelet which is given by Ames, there are statutes dated as early as 1529; and besides official publications, there are numerous miscellaneous books of an important character. Among these are several written by Sir Thomas Elyot and Erasmus; Gower’s Confessio Amantis; Lyttylton’s Tenures; bibles, dictionaries, plays, and chronicles.
On the title-page of a copy of Marcus Aurelius’s golden book is an ornamental border. This border consists of a design of boys in procession, one being carried on the shoulders of four others, and has at the top a medallion with two sphinxes; the same design, however, if not the same block, was used by other printers besides Berthelet. Berthelet’s own device is a figure of Lucretia stabbing herself, with a landscape in the distance and an architectural framework.
The colophons in Berthelet’s books are found both in Latin and in English, one of the most usual being:—
“Imprinted in Fletestrete in the house of Thomas Berthelet nere to the condite at the sygne of Lucrece.”
Common forms are also:—
“Londoni in Aedibus Tho. Bertheleti,” “Thome Bertheletus regius impressor excudebat,” and “Impressus Londini in edibus regii impressoris.”
And of rarer occurrence are the words:—
“In Aedibus Thome. Bertheleti typographi regii typis impress,” and “Impressum in Flete-Strete prope aquagium sub intersignio Lucretiae Romanae.”
There is a curious limit given as to price in a note at the end of a copy of the “Doctrine and Erudition for any Christian Man,” printed in 1543, which says: “This boke bounde in paper boordes or claspes, not to be sold aboue XVIᵈ.”
A few books were printed from 1556 to 1560 with Berthelet’s colophons, after his death, on which the word “late” is prefixed to his name, but this does not appear always to have been done.
Thomas Berthelet enjoyed what in his time must have been a very lucrative post. Not only had he his regular fee, but he was also constantly employed in official work, for which he was separately paid, besides which he had private customers. There are several entries respecting the investment of his property to be found in the Patent Rolls of Henry VIII. Among these there are some which are of interest, as showing how carefully changes of property were noted in those days; e. g.:—
“On payment of a sum of 40 shillings licence was granted to Richard Moryson to alienate two houses in Friday Street to Thomas Berthelet.” (Patent Roll. 34 Hen. VIII., Pt. II.)
Again: “Grant to Thomas Berthelet of messuages and lands in St. Andrews, Holborn, and St. Bride’s Fleet Street for a sum of £189. 3. 11.” (Patent Roll. 35 Hen. VIII., Pt. III.)
And yet another grant is found in the Patent Roll, 36 Henry VIII., Pt. XII., by which Thomas Berthelet received the following property in consideration of a payment of £212. 10. 0.:—
“A house in the parish of St. Bride, known as Salisbury Place formerly in the occupation of Richard Hyde, and before that belonging to the dissolved monastery of Godstowe in Oxfordshire.
“A house in the parish of St. Margaret Moyses in Friday Street in the city of London in the occupation of John Stanes.
“Another house in the same parish in the occupation of James Wilson, and various houses also in the same parish in the occupation of William Egleston.
“A house in Distaff Lane in the parish of St. Margaret Moyses in the occupation of John Greene.
“All the above houses in the parish of St. Margaret’s having formerly belonged to the monastery of the Graces near the Tower of London.
“Two houses in the parish of St. Bride, Fleet Street, one in the occupation of John Hulson (scriptoris) and the other in the occupation of John Lyons goldsmith (aurifabri), both of which were previously part of the possessions of the Priory and Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem.”
The will of Thomas Berthelet, Citizen and Stationer of London, is dated September 23, 1555. It directs that his property shall be chiefly divided between his wife Margery and his two sons, Edward and Anthony, to each of whom substantial property in land and houses is left, the elder one receiving the manor of Hilhampton in Hereford.
Thomas Powell, his nephew, and all his godchildren are remembered, also his wife’s sister; and each apprentice receives the value of his own yearly royal fee, four pounds.
The will also—
Directs that his body shall be buried in the parish church of St. Bride’s, Fleet Street, in the Lady Chapel, and gives to his Son and heir, Edward Barthelett, the manor of Hilhampton alias Ilhampton, in the Co. of Hereford, and land in Marden, messuages and tenements in Fleet Street, Bishopsgate Street, and Friday Street, amounting in all to one third of his estate.
To his Younger Son, Anthony Barthelett, he leaves premises in Distaff Lane, Friday Street, Bread Street, St. Sepulchre’s parish, St. Andrews, Holborn, with reversion to elder brother, and Thomas Powell, his nephew.
To his Wife, Margaret (Margery), he gives property in the parish of St. Andrews, Holborn,
“and the house with the ways walks etc, which I reserve for my own use in Crokhorne Alley in the said parish of St. Andrews,”
—and a house in the parish of St. Sepulchre, with reversion to the two sons and the heirs of Margery, his wife.
His goods to be divided into three parts, one to go to his wife, the second to his two sons, with reversion to Christ’s Hospital, “lately erected.” The third part reserved to pay funeral expenses and provide the following:—
Trustees, John Abingtone, gentleman, clerk of the Queen’s woodyard, and John Wekes, citizen and goldsmith, with a legacy of four pounds apiece.
| Witnesses, | Richard Heywood. |
| Edward Ridge. | |
| John Hulson. | |
| Probate granted 9ᵗʰ Novʳ 1555. | |
He probably died shortly after this will was executed, as there is the following entry in the Stationers’ Hall Book A, of the date 1556: “Recḍ of Margery barthelett wydow XXVI Janu. iijˡ vlˢ viijᵈ which Tho. Berthelett hyr husbande receuyed of Mr. Chamberlayne to the use of our companye for Mr. andrewes Rewarde at his settynge over to the vyntenners.... Item recevyd at the presente tyme of the sayde margery for a rewarde to the cōpanye for comynge to the sayde thomas bartheletts his buryal xiii iiij.”
Mrs. Margery eventually married Richard Payne, as is recorded in the Repertories and Journals of the City of London (13 and 15 Hustings Roll 251. Nos. 10. 11); and Richard Grafton, grocer, and the same Richard Payne, gentleman, were appointed trustees of the children of Thomas Berthelet, according to the then custom of the city.
As has been shown, Thomas Berthelet lived in troublous times for bookbinding. He doubtless knew of the rich Mediæval bindings, which in his day were rapidly becoming scarce, and he was of course familiar with the old blind-stamped leather work as well as the brown panel stamps which were common at his time. He probably knew, also, the beautiful gold-tooled Italian bindings which came over from the Continent as rarities about the beginning of the sixteenth century. It will never be known with certainty whether Italian workmen came over here and taught Berthelet the art of gold-tooling on leather. If this was not the case, then Berthelet experimented for himself and soon became proficient, but several of his earlier bindings betray the hand of a tyro in this difficult art. In favour of the theory that an Italian gilder came to this country about the time that Berthelet became royal printer to Henry VIII. is the fact that there was at least one binding made for James V., King of Scotland, adorned with gold-tooling, executed on calf by some craftsman endowed with greater technical skill than Berthelet ever showed. This binding is, however, of a weaker design than Berthelet’s are: his designs are never frittered as this one is; nevertheless, it must be noted that there are on the Scottish bindings some of the same stamps that Berthelet used, as well as others of a slighter and more ornate character. The volume is figured in the Dictionary of English Book Collectors, Part V., and in 1894 it belonged to the late Mr. Bernard Quaritch, of 15 Piccadilly, London.
Berthelet must have foreseen the very decorative possibilities that lay in the direction of gold-tooling on leather, promising indeed to compensate to a great extent for the loss of the beautiful and fast-disappearing Mediæval bindings in gold, silver, or ivory. He worked very energetically at his new art and quickly mastered it, the gilding on the majority of his books being excellent. His stamps were cut “solid,” closely after Italian models, even if those he started with were not actually Italian stamps purchased by him from his problematical teacher. In time these designs became largely modified, but always retained much of the Italian feeling. Indeed, although Berthelet eventually developed a style of his own, the Italian inspiration is evident throughout. He could not have gone to a better school, as it is, with much justification, often held that the Italian gold-tooled bindings on leather of the late fifteenth and early sixteenth centuries are the finest in taste and altogether the most admirable ever produced. In consequence of the number of foreign books that came over here, it was incumbent on the native English workmen to do what they could to introduce a good style of indigenous work, and Berthelet was the most noted of the sixteenth-century binders who endeavoured to do this. The old English idea of the circle entered largely into his later and more ornamental designs, as also did the diamond, not in itself so original a style, as it frequently occurs elsewhere, amongst other places on books bound for Jean Grolier.
The bindings of the books printed by Thomas Berthelet have already in many instances been noticed as examples of fine workmanship, but he has not by any means always been credited with their authorship.
There are certain volumes which belonged to Henry VIII. at a period when Berthelet was royal printer, some of which were