Richard Beatniffe
Richard Beatniffe | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1740 Louth, England |
| Died | 1818 Norwich, England |
| Occupation(s) | Printer, bookseller, author |
| Known for | The Norfolk Tour guidebook |
Richard Beatniffe (1740–1818) was an English printer, bookseller, and author known for his guidebook The Norfolk Tour.
Early life
Born in 1739 in Louth, Beatniffe was raised and educated by his uncle, the Reverend Samuel Beatniffe, who served as rector of Gaywood and Bawsey in Norfolk. He undertook an apprenticeship with bookseller Thomas Hollingworth in Lynn, distinguishing himself as the sole apprentice among four to complete the full term despite challenging conditions. Upon completing his apprenticeship, Beatniffe relocated to Norwich and acquired freeman status by purchase on 21 September 1764, qualifying as a bookbinder. In 1763, his former master lent him £500 to purchase the stock of Jonathan Gleed, a bankrupt bookseller located on London Lane in Norwich.
Bookselling
Beatniffe built a successful bookselling enterprise in Norwich, merging his skills in bookbinding with strong business insight. He curated one of the most impressive collections of antiquarian books among provincial dealers and was acknowledged as Norwich’s foremost secondhand bookseller for many years. Between 1779 and 1808, he issued catalogues listing rare works at competitive market prices. Around 1800, he acquired the extensive library of Rev. Dr. Cox Macro of Suffolk—comprising early prints, poetry, correspondence, and autographs—for approximately £150-£160; subsequent sales of this collection yielded returns nine to ten times greater.
William Beloe, a contemporary observer, characterized Beatniffe as astute and cautious, particularly suspicious of buyers from London. He was known to increase prices by about one-third for those identified as collectors or experts.
Printing
In 1766, after securing support from London and purchasing a substantial quantity of type from Mr Caslon's, Beatniffe launched a printing establishment in St Peter Permountergate, Norwich. He produced numerous significant publications before partnering with John Payne in 1795 and ultimately retiring from printing in 1798.
Publishing
The first edition of Norfolk Tour, or Traveller's Pocket Companion was published by Beatniffe in 1772. This concise guide detailed noble estates, towns, and notable sites within Norfolk. Subsequent editions followed in 1773, 1777, 1786, 1795, and a significantly expanded sixth edition released in 1808 that grew to 399 pages—almost four times larger than the original. Each edition incorporated updates based on Beatniffe’s observations and contributions from local gentlemen. The guide was praised for its comprehensive coverage and practical style, sustaining strong popularity over multiple editions.
Character
Known for his unwavering Tory principles and firm business demeanor, Beatniffe often declined to negotiate prices or sell to the London trade, favoring private buyers for his rare books. Having amassed considerable wealth throughout his career, he retired shortly before passing away on 9 July 1818 at age seventy-nine in Norwich. He was interred at St. Peter Mancroft church.
Family
Beatniffe married Martha Dinah Hart, daughter of a writing-master and alderman from Bury St. Edmund's. They had two children: one son and one daughter. In 1785, James Samuel Beatniffe was apprenticed under Richard Beatniffe.