death is thus recorded by Smyth in his Obituary (p. 70): "Decr. 4. 1665. Peter Cole, bookseller and printer in Cornhill, hanged himselfe in his warehouse in Leadenhall; reported to be distracted." His will was proved on December 22nd. By this he left the bulk of his property to his brother Edward's children, but made special bequests to Elizabeth Ridley, the youngest daughter of John Ridley, citizen and stationer of London, and to Samuel Thompson. [P.C.C. 153. Hyde.]
COLEMAN STREET PRESS, 1643 (?)—January 17th, 16445. On January 17th, 16445, a secret press was discovered in the house of Nicholas Tew, stationer, q.v., at the above address, at which the following items were printed, (1) A slip of paper commencing Alas pore Parliament, how art thou betrai'd? written by some Independent against Ld. Gen. Essex and Ld. of Manchester, and scattered about the streets at night, December 9th, 1644. Identified by the officers of the Co. of Stationers, as printed in a letter similar to that used in other books which Tew confessed were printed at this press. (2) [A copie of a Letter, Written by John Lilburne … To Mr. William Prinne, Esq.] Printed about January 15th, 16445. (3) An Answer to nine arguments, Written by T. B. Written long since by … John Lilburne, 1645, i.e., January 17th, 16445. In addition to the above, the undermentioned books are believed to have been printed at this press. (4) Man's Mortalitie … By R. O. Amsterdam. Printed by John Canne, 1643. (5) The Compassionate Samaritane … The second edition, 1644, i.e., January 5th, 16445. [Library, N.S., October, 1904; Secret Printing during the Civil War, pp. 374–403.]
COLES (AMOS), printer in London; (?) Ivy Lane, 1649–51. In partnership with Thomas Mabb, q.v.
COLES, COULES, or COWLES (FRANCIS), bookseller in London, (1) In the Old Bailey; (2) At the halfe-bowle in the Old Bailey; (3) Lamb, in the Old Bailey; (4) Wine Street, near Hatton Garden. 1626–81. Took up his freedom July 1st, 1624. [Arber, iii. 685.] Chiefly celebrated as a publisher of ballads, in which he was associated with T. Bates, W. Gilbertson, T. Vere, and Jo. Wright. His ballads were invariably illustrated with curious woodcuts. He was also associated with Lawrence Blaiklock in
