Thomas Berthelet
Thomas Berthelet (d. 1555) was a printer, probably from France. His surname was also variously spelt Berthelot and Berthelett. Berthelet was to become King's Printer for Henry VIII.
Background
Berthelet was of French descent though very little is known about his background before he established himself as a printer in London.[1] He is thought to have been apprenticed to London printer Pynson, and some historians have suggested he may have been known as Thomas Bercula previously.[1]
Career
Berthelett is recorded, in an application for a marriage licence of 23 August 1524, as being resident in the London parish of St Dunstan in London's famous printing quarter, Fleet Street.[2]
On 27 September 1524 Berthelett printed his first book Opus sane de deorum dearumque gentilium genealogia, a small tract by the monk Galfredus Petrus of Bayeux. The book was printed in Berthelet's premises in Fleet Street. In 1528 Barthelett printed a translation by Thomas Paynell of Regimen sanitatis Salerni. This became one of the most popular medical books of the time.[2]
By 22 February 1530, Berthelet held the office of King's Printer under Henry VIII. As holder of that post he received an annuity of £4. Berthelet remained in the position until Henry's death. As holder, he printed the king's statutes and proclamations. Henry died in 1547, after which time Berthelet relinquished the post, and he was granted a coat of arms in 1549.[2]
Private life
Berthelet died in London on 26 September 1555. He was succeeded by his second wife, Margaret, and two sons. Berthelet's funeral was held before 26 January 1556 and the mourners included priests, clerks and fellow craftsmen from the book trades.[2]