Appendix C Henry Besley Few local printers published extensively but the Besleys of Exeter could probably claim to have been one of the most prolific of local publishers. By the mid-1800s the family-run business had a long tradition stretching back almost half a century. Thomas Besley (Senior) was born in 1760 and had various business addresses as printer, bookseller and stationer or bookbinder: he is listed in various directories of the time at Southgate Street (1801 and 1811); at Holy Trinity (1803); and at Bell Hill, or more specifically at 76, Bell Hill, South Street (between 1816 and 1834). It must be assumed that Thomas was mainly a jobbing printer taking on contracts wherever possible and not taking on the extra responsibility for publishing. Thomas and Jane had 6 children including Thomas Junior who also became a printer in Exeter; Robert, born 14th October 1794 (died 1876), a type founder in the firm of Thorowgood and Besley and who became Lord Mayor of L...