Richard Phillips (1767–1840; fl. 1797–1825)

PHILLIPS, Richard, bookseller and publisher, 71, St. Paul's Churchyard 1797-1804; 6, Bridge Street, Blackfriars 1805–1811P; 7, Bridge Street 1812P; 47, Ludgate Hill 1813P. B. 1767, London, s. of a Leicestershire farmer; d. 2 Apr. 1840, Brighton. Ed. in schools in Soho Square and Chiswick. To Leicester where he founded an academy 1788. Became a hosier 1789 and a stationer, bookseller and patent medicine vendor 1790. Soon began printing and established a circulating library. Founded Leicester herald 1792. Imprisoned 18 months for selling Paine's Rights of man 1793. To London on the proceeds of an insurance policy after his Leicester office destroyed by fire 1795. With aid of friend established Monthly magazine 1796. Published Antiquary's magazine 1797, Monthly musical journal 1801. Published a large number of cheap elementary textbooks and manuals many of which he compiled himself. Sheriff of London 1807. Knighted 30 Mar. 1808. Established sheriff's fund for relief of poor debtors. Bankrupt 1811 but with help able to continue business in a more restricted manner. Retired to Brighton 1823. Of radical views and acquainted with many radical contemporaries. Imprints: Kress: 1798: B3563, 1799: B3905-06; 1800: B4212; Tooley: 1799: 112. DNB; Timperley 771, 831; Brown; Humphries and Smith.