A Dictionary of the Booksellers and Printers who Were at Work in England, Scotland and Ireland from 1641 to 1667/Roper (Abel)
ROPER (ABEL), bookseller in London, (1) Black Spread Eagle, over against St. Dunstan's Church, in Fleet St., 1641; (2) Sun in Fleet Street, 1650(?)-1667. [1638-80.] Born at Atherston, co. Warwick. Took up his freedom April 3rd, 1637. [Arber, iii. 688.] In company with Thomas Collins, was appointed "printer" to the Council of State, i.e., they were allowed to sublet the printing, and on April 24th, 1660, a sum of £88 was paid to them for printing proclamations. [Calendar of State Papers, 1659-60, p. 598.] Abel Roper died early in the year 1680, his will being proved on March 4th, 167980. He died without issue, and left the interest in his stock of books to his executors for the benefit of his nephew, Abel Roper. Henry Herringman was his cousin, and one of the executors to his will. [p.c.c. 40, Bath.]