George Sawbridge I (fl. 1647–1681)
George Sawbridge I, printer and bookseller, at the Bible on Ludgate Hill, 1653–81; at his house on Clerkenwell Green, 1667–1670. Succeeded by his wife Hannah Sawbridge.
The Life and Errors of John Dunton, by John Dunton (1705)
George Sawbridge, Esq;—He was the GREATEST Bookteller that has been in England, for many Years, as may sufficiently appear by the Estate he has left behind him, for (besides that he was chosen Sheriff of London, and paid his Fine) he left behind him, Four Daughters, who had each of them, for their Portions, Ten Thousand Pound a piece. And if Mr. Awnsham Churchil (his Apprentice) continue to Thrive as he has begun, he'll be as Rich as his Master in few Years.
A Dictionary of the Booksellers and Printers who were at Work in England, Scotland and Ireland from 1641 to 1667, by Henry Plomer (1907)
SAWBRIDGE (GEORGE), printer and bookseller in London, (1) Bible on Ludgate Hill; (2) At his house on Clerkenwell Green, 1667. (1647–81.) Appears to have commenced business in partnership with E. Brewster about 1653, in which year their names are found on one of Edward Calamy's sermons, A Christians Duty and Safety in Evill Times. [E. 1434 (3).] After the Restoration Sawbridge became a partner with Samuel Mearne, Richard Roycroft and others in the King's Printing House, and held shares in the chief publications of his day. Dunton, in his Life & Errors, refers to Sawbridge as "the greatest bookseller that had been in England for many years." He was treasurer to the Company of Stationers during the greater part of his life, and was Master of the Company in 1675. He died a wealthy man in 1681, and was succeeded by his son George. [Arber, Term Catalogues.]
A Dictionary of the Printers and Booksellers who were at Work in England, Scotland and Ireland from 1668 to 1725, by Henry Plomer (1922)
SAWBRIDGE (GEORGE), the Elder, see Dictionary, 1641–67. George Sawbridge, the Younger (q.v.), was probably not son of this man but of Thomas Sawbridge, whom he succeeded.