Printing Arrives in England

Where did it all begin? have you ever wondered how printing got to England and became so successful? There are numerous printing companies here in the UK, many of which still use the traditional methods that were originally brought overseas by the first ever English printer, translator and importer of books into England -  William Caxton in 1476.

William Caxton 

As Caxton went to London at the impression able age of 16 , he became an apprentice to a merchant and then later moved on to Bruges. Bruges , know for its wool trade was a fantastic place for him to grow, which he did - quickly becoming one of the most important and successful members of the merchant community. Caxton went on to serve as governor of the 'English Nation of Merchant Adventurers', which allowed him to represent his fellow merchants, as well as act as a diplomat for the king.

His future was forming a promising pattern when he Secured his affiliation  with the household of Margaret, the duchess of Burgundy, sister of the English king Edward IV. The duchess encouraged him with his translation of 'The Recuyell of the Histories of Troye' from French to English, bringing his love for the English language to the foreground. He was ready for his platform - the art of printing.

The next step led Caxton to spend time in Cologne learning how to be a printer. He returned to Bruges in 1472 where he and Colard Mansion, a Flemish calligrapher, set up a press. Caxton's own translation of 'The Recuyell of the Histories of Troye' was the first book printed in the English language.

Just five years later, in the year of 1476 Caxton returned to London and established a press at Westminster, the first printing press in England. Amongst the books he printed were Chaucer's 'Canterbury Tales', Gower's 'Confessio Amantis' and Malory's 'Le Morte d'Arthur'. Many of which are still printed and read today. He became an icon, conquered a milestone and sadly died in 1492.