A Dictionary of the Booksellers and Printers who Were at Work in England, Scotland and Ireland from 1641 to 1667/Bladen (William)
BLADEN (WILLIAM), bookseller in London; Great North-doore of Pauls at the sign of the Bible, 1612-24; address unknown, 1640-42; printer in Dublin, 1630-63. First met with in 1612 as a bookseller in London in partnership with John Royston. In 1618 certain stationers of London formed themselves into a society "to trade in the city of Dublin by vending and selling of books and other commodities … to be transported out of England thither, and there to be sold," the books stocked for this purpose being known as the Irish "stock." They appointed William Bladen their factor in Dublin. He was admitted to the Franchise of the city in January, 163031, by special grace and on payment of a fine of £10 English money. In April, 1637, he was elected Sheriff for the following year. Meanwhile the trading venture of the London stationers had turned out a failure, and the partnership was dissolved in 1639, when William Bladen bought the stock for £2,600. His name first appears in imprints in 1641. In 1647 he filled the office of Lord Mayor of Dublin, and during the Commonwealth he acted as State Printer. His death took place in Dublin, in July, 1663, and he was buried on August 1st in St. Werburgh's Churchyard. Bladen's will was proved in the Prerogative Court in August, 1663. His wife, "Elinor," was the principal beneficiary. He directed all his stock in his shop, printing house, and warehouse, both in Dublin and in London, together with his interest in his then dwelling-house and printing house, to be sold unto some person having served 7 years to a printer, stationer or bookseller. He mentions his "son, Dr. Thos. Bladen." Probably this was the editor of Clarke's Praxis. He also left a son of the same name, who is believed to have come to London and set up as a bookseller. [Information supplied by Mr. E. R. McC. Dix.; Library, July, 1907.]