SIXTEENTH CENTURY
32fi
have his nuirlis, and pretty devices on their covers ; as arms and supporters of Jesus Christ, with these words, ndemptorii tmmdi armi. He «ras a large dealer, and bound books for others as well as himself. The time of his death is anknown ; Herbert could not discover any of his works subsequent to the year 1544 ; but in 1557, he found that when John Cawood, the servant of John Reynes, became warden of the stadoneis' company, he pud " for ii new glasse wyndowesin their hall, the one for John Reynes his master, and the other for hymselfe," whence he concluded that he wa.'i deceased, and that his window was a gift or legacy to his brethren.
At the close of the wardens accounts in July, 1561, in an inventory of the company's furniture, is " a picture of John Reynes, master to John Cawodf;" also, "a picture of John Cawode," but the &te of them is unknown.
The typographical devices of Reynes were, properly spiking, two small shields with his initials ana his monogram ; the latter of which was as follows :
But they were commonly introduced in a large design, which he emlxrased upon the covers of his books, consisting of what are usually called " the arms of Christ." This design is formed of a parallelogram surrounded by double lines, and borders of scroll and ornamental work,and shaped like an arch within, under which is placed a shield charged with the emblems of Christ's passion, at the cross, inscription and crown of thorns; the hammer, nails, and pincers; the spears, sponge, and dice ; the g^arment, money, lanthom, sepulchre, &c. The escutcheon is sup- ported by two unicorns, which stands iipon a scroll b^iring the motto Redemptorit mundi Armi, in rude Saxon capitals. Above the shield is a very rich full-faced black helmet, surround- ed by a mantling, and the pillar, scourges, and cock, as a crest. On each side of the crest are the two shields above mentioned.
These religious ensigns are to be foimd in reiy many Sussals, Offices, Book of Hours, both manuscript and printed.
1556, May 4. The Company of Stationers do not appear to have had any authority granted them with relation to printed books, as an in- corporated body, till they received their first cluuter from Philip and Maty of this day, by the title of " The master and keepers, or wardens, and oonunonality, of the mystery or art of the
stationers of the city of London.* This charter was renewed by Elizabeth, in 1588; amplified by Charles II., in 1684 ; and confirmed by William and Mary, in 1690, which is the existing charter of the company. The powers granted to them by these charters are of such a nature as would not be very fit to be acted upon in the present times. They had the rights of the inqui- sition itself overall literary compositions — ^might search houses for any books which they deemed obnoxious to the state, or their oum interest* — might enter, as often as they pleased, any place, house, shop, chamber, or building, belonging to any stamper, printer, binder, or seller of any manner of books — might seize, take away, have, bum, or convert to their own use whatever they should think was printed contrary to the form of any statute, act or nroclamation, made or to be made! and these odious privileges were often acted upon, as may be seen in uie lives of the eariy pnnters, and in the company's accounts. The charter was signed by the names of ninety-four members of the commonalty.
THOMAS DOCKWRAT, Master. JOHN CAWOOD & HENKT COKE, Keepers or Wardens Freemen, or Commummltf:
wnUam BoDhwn WiUlBm Muten
Richtrd Waye Edmm Satton
Simon Coston Thomas Parker
ReTQold Wolf John Bonham
Jamo HoUrland John Goosh
Stephen Keval John Dare
John Tuik John Whitney
Nichola* Tabemer Simon Spylman
Michael iniley, alims WQliam Baldwyn
Michael Xx>bler William Coke
John Jaqaes John Kewell
miUam Ryddall Robert Broke
John Hadaon lliomaa Sawyer
John Walley Charlei Walley
Thomas Dazwell Tliomaa Patenson
Anthony Smith Thomas Hershe
William Powell Richard Tottell
Richard Jugj^ Ralph Tyer
Wm. Sores, or Seree John Buitofte
Robert Holder William Oriffith
Thomas Purfot Edward Broune
John Rogers Nicholas Clifton
William Steward Richard Harvey
Richard Patchet James Gnnwell
Nicholas Borman Edward Cator
Rojrer Ireland John Kele
Richard Crosse Thomas Bylton
Thomas Powell nomas Maskall
Anthony Crotte William Norton
Richard Hyll WilUam PycherinK
Alen Qamlyn Richard Baldwyn
Henry Norton Richard Orene
Richard Lant Thomas Beyden
Henry Lattell Robert Badbome
Andrew Hertes John Alday
Thomas Derell Robert Blyth
John Case Oeorge Brodehead
WilUam HUl Hugh Cotislurth
Richard Richardson Richard Wallis
Giles Hacks Thomas Oes
John Kynge Richard Kevell, jonior
John Fairbanie John Shereman
John Hyll Thomas SkeroU
Peter FTenche Owen ap Rocer
Richard Harrison John Tysdale
Humphry Powell Adam Croke, and
John Clnke John Vox. William Copland
- An original record, intitnled, " Incorporatio Artis
Stationers, in Civitate Londonia," is preserved in the records of the Ezcheqoer, s Pars Original. 3 and 3 Philip and Maryj and in s Pus Original. 3 and 4 Philip and Mary, Rot Stf.
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