14 E. R. McDix on 



his own press, of which a good. deal survives. His own imprint 

 first appears in 1642. 



We know a good deal about Bladen. He entered fully into 

 the civic life of Dublin. Here are a few incidents of his career, 



Admitted to Franchise January, 1631, by special grace, 



and a fine of £10. 

 Elected Sheriff", April, 1637, and took on duties in October 



following. 

 Chosen Master of City Works for following year (1638). 

 King's Printer in 1641. 

 Elected Alderman in April, 1642. 

 „ Mayor in October, 1647. 



,, an Auditor in October, 1648. 

 ,, one of the Committee to examine City Records in 



January, ] 649. 

 ,, Auditor again in October, 1649. 

 „ Collector of Plate from Citizens. 

 Died in July, 1663. 



Buried 1st August, 1663, St. Werburgh's Churchyard- 

 Will proved August, 1663. 

 . Wife's Christian name, Elinor. 

 Son — Dr. Thomas Bladen. 

 Had house in " Sheep " Street, etc. 

 But I am advancing too rapidly, and must go back a little in 

 order to state that whilst the Company of Stationers were carry- 

 ing on their work here (1620-1641) they printed some important 

 works. They printed some of Archbishop Usher's works, works 

 by Sir James Ware, the historian ; an edition of the Book of 

 Common Prayer, in 1621 ; the Countess of Pembroke's Arcadia, 

 by Sydney, etc. ; and the works which came from their press are 

 indeed very creditable productions. They were the first printers 

 in Dublin to make use of foreign type — that is, type in Greek, 

 and Hebrew characters, etc. The Irish type of Queen Elizabeth 

 seems to have remained in their custody, as in 1631 they printed 

 for Bishop Bedell the Irish Catechism both in English and Irish. 



