Other Lewises: Worcester

The Worcester Lewises

From the 1750s to the end of the eighteenth century, a family of Lewises were prominent among the printing/bookselling trade in Worcester. Their imprint history reflects strong ties to religious dissent, especially the Particular Baptists. Richard Lewis he appeared as “R. Lewis” on imprints operated a print shop in High Street, Worcester, 1752-79. In 1779 he printed and sold Grammatical Institutes, by John Ash, Baptist minister at Pershore, a friend of Anne and Mary Steele of Broughton.  He also printed and sold the minutes of the Midland Association for the Particular Baptists between 1761 and 1771. He died in 1779, and two years later, Mary Lewis, Richard Lewis’s wife, begins to appear on imprints as printer and seller from Worcester, continuing to print the minutes of the Midland Association of Particular Baptists, just as her predecessor had done. She would continue to appear on imprints from Worcester only through 1782, when the business was taken over by George Lewis (d. 1808), most likely Richard’s son who had been his former apprentice. He was succeeded by Thomas Lewis, who continued the business to at least 1839, appearing on many imprints of ballads and songs. The short career of Mary Lewis of Worcester is another instance of a Dissenting woman engaging in business, especially bookselling, and in so doing, contributing to the expansion of evangelical activities in Great Britain during the latter part of the eighteenth century, a reason worthy enough for reclaiming her place in that important history. For more on the Worcester Lewises, see Margaret Cooper's The Worcester Book Trade in the Eighteenth Century Worcester: Worcestershire Historical Society, 1997.

 Imprint History

1. Waugh, John, 1703 or 1704-1765. A sermon preached at the Cathedral Church of Worcester, on Wednesday, Aug. 19, 1752. Being the anniversary meeting of the governors of the Worcester Infirmary. By John Waugh, L.L.D. dean of Worcester, and chaplain in Ordinary to His Majesty. Published for the benefit of the Charity. Worcester: Printed by R. Lewis; bookseller in High-Street, MDCCLIII. [1753]

2.  Welman, Francis. Mercy superior to sacrifice. A sermon preached at the abbey-church, in Bath, on Tuesday, June 4, 1754, at the anniversary meeting of the Wiltshire Society. ... By the Rev. Francis Welman, ... Worcester: printed by R. Lewis, for John Warne, in Chippenham, 1754.

3.  Wall, John, 1708-1776. Experiments, and observations on the Malvern waters. The second edition, with an appendix, containing some farther particulars relating to their nature and uses, ... [Worcester?]: Sold by W. Sandby; J. Rivington; R. Dodsley; London: and by S. Mountfort, and R. Lewis, in Worcester, [1757]

4.  Wall, John, 1708-1776. Experiments, and observations on the Malvern waters, the second edition, with an appendix, containing some farther particulars relating to their nature and uses, ... [Worcester?]: Sold by W. Sandby; J. Rivington; R. Dodsley; London: and by S. Mountfort, and R. Lewis, in Worcester, [1757]

5.  Jennens, Charles, 1700-1773. Messiah, an oratorio: as it is performed at the Theatre-Royal in Covent-Garden. Set to musick by Mr. Handel. Majora canamus. Worcester: printed by R. Lewis, 1758.

6.  Morell, Thomas, 1703-1784. Judas Macchabaeus, a sacred drama: As performed at the theatre in Oxford. Worcester,: Printed by R. Lewis,, 1758..’

7.  Morell, Thomas, 1703-1784. Judas MacchabÅ­s, A sacred drama: as performed at the Theatre in Oxford. Worcester: Printed by R. Lewis, 1758.

8.  Hughes, William, -1798. Remarks upon church musick. To which are added ... observations upon some of Mr. Handel's oratorio's ... By a lover of harmony ... Worcester: R. Lewis, 1758.

9.   Dryden, John, 1631-1700. Alexander's feast: or, the power of musick. An ode. Wrote in honour of St. Cecilia, by Mr. Dryden. Set to musick by Mr. Handel. Worcester: printed by R. Lewis, 1758.

10.  Lovett, R. Richard, 1692-1780. The reviewers review'd; or, the bush-fighters exploded: being a reply to the animadversions, ... on a late pamphlet, entitled Sir Isaac Newton's Aether realiz'd. To which is added, ... Electricity, render'd useful in medicinal intentions. ... By R. Lovett, ... Worcester: printed by R. Lewis, for the author, and sold by them, and S. Mountfort, in Worcester. W. Sandby; W. Fenner; and J. Waugh; London, 1760.

11.  Stillingfleet, James, 1729-1817. The Christian ministry and stewardship. A sermon preached before the University of Oxford, at St. Mary's, on Sunday June 8. 1760. By James Stillingfleet,... Oxford: at the Clarendon printing house. Sold by J. Fletcher, S. Parker, and D. Prince, in Oxford; by John Rivington in London; by J. Leake and W. Frederick in Bath; and R. Lewis in Worcester, 1760.

12.  Milton, John, 1608-1674. L'allegro, ed il penseroso. Set to musick by Mr. Handel. Worcester: printed by R. Lewis, 1761.

13.  Jennens, Charles, 1700-1773. Messiah: an oratorio. As it is performed at the music-meeting in Worcester. Set to musick by Mr. Handel. Worcester: printed by R. Lewis, 1761.

14.  Baptist Church. Midland Association. Circular letter. 1761 The elders, and messengers of the several Baptist churches at Aulcester, Bewdley, Bengeworth, Birmingham, Bourlon and Stow, ... Bromsgrove, Hooknorton, Leominster, Pershore, Upton, Towkesbury, Warwick, and Worcester, met in Association at Bengeworth, maintaining the great Doctrines of Three equal Persons in the Godhead; Eternal, and Personal Election; The Original Guilt, and Depravity of Mankind; Particular Redemption; Free Justification by the imputed Righteousness of Christ; Efficacious Grace in Regeneration; and, The final Perseverance of the Saints. [Worcester: printed by R. Lewis?, 1761]

15.  Morell, Thomas, 1703-1784. Jephtha, an oratorio. Or, sacred drama. As it is perform'd at the music-meeting in Hereford. Set to musick by Mr. Handel. Worcester: printed by R. Lewis, 1762.

16.  Wall, John, 1708-1776. Experiments and observations on the Malvern waters. The third edition, enlarged with an additional appendix, Containing several remarkable histories of their effects, which came under the authors own observation. By J. Wall, M.D. physician at Worcester, & late Fellow of Merton College, Oxon. Worcester: Printed and sold by R. Lewis, bookseller: sold also by W. Sandby, at the Ship, opposite St. Dunstan's Church, Fleet-Street; J. Rivington, at the Bible and Crown, St. Paul's Church-Yard; R. Dodsley, in Pall-Mall, S. Crowder, in Pater-noster Row; and J. Johnson, at Mead's-Head, opposite the monument, London, MDCCLXIII. [1763]

17.  Wanley, Samuel, 1706 or 1707- An affectionate concern for one another recommended. A sermon preached at the cathedral church of Worcester, on Tuesday, July 26, 1763. ... By Samuel Wanley, ... Worcester: printed and sold by R. Lewis; Messrs. Aris, and Co. in Birmingham; R. Raikes, in Gloucester; J. Johnson; and S. Crowder, London, 1763.

18.  Baptist Church. Midland Association. Circular letter. 1763. The circular letter of the elders and messengers of the several Baptist churches, meeting at Aulcester, Bourton, Birmingham, Bromsgrove, ... met in association at Tewkesbury, ... 1763, ... Worcester: printed by R. Lewis, [1763]

19.  Hughes, William, -1798. Remarks upon church musick. To which are added several observations upon some of Mr. Handel's oratorio's, and other parts of his works. By William Hughes, A. M. A Member of the Cathedral-Church, And Vicar of St. Peter's, in Worcester. [The second edition.] Worcester: printed and sold by R. Lewis, Bookseller at the Bible and Crown, in High-Street, [1763]

20.  Wall, John, 1708-1776. An appendix, added to the third edition of Experiments & observations on Malvern waters. Containing several histories of extraordinary cures perform'd by them, under the author's own inspection. By J. Wall. ... Worcester: printed and sold by R. Lewis,: sold also by W. Sandby: J. Rivington; and R. Dodsley, 1763.

21.  Baptist Church. Midland Association. Circular letter. 1765. The circular letter from the elders and messengers of the several Baptist churches, meeting at Aulcester, Bengeworth, Birmingham, Bourton, ... met in association at Bourton on the Water, the 14th and 15th of August, 1765, ... Worcester: printed by R. Lewis, [1765]

22.  Baptist Church. Midland Association. Circular letter. 1766. The circular letter of the elders and messengers of the several Baptist churches, meeting at Aulcester, Bourton, Birmingham, Bromsgrove, ... met in association at Hooknorton, ... 1766, ... Worcester: printed by R. Lewis, [1766]

23.  Lovett, R. Richard, 1692-1780. Philosophical essays, in three parts. Containing I. An enquiry into the nature and properties of the electrical fluid, in order to explain, illustrate and confirm the truth of Sir Isaac Newton's doctrine of a subtile medium or æther. II. A dissertation on the nature of fire in general, and production of heat in particular. III. A miscellaneous discourse, wherein the forementioned active principle is shewn to be the only probable mechanical cause of motion, cohesion, gravity, magnetism, and other phænomena of nature. To which is subjoin'd, by way of appendix, a clear and concise account of the variation of the magnetic needle or mariner's compass; by which the longitude is investigated on the most simple principles. And, to render the whole more intelligible, a glossary of terms is added. By R. Lovett, lay-clerk, of the cathedral church of Worcester. Worcester: printed for the author, by R. Lewis, bookseller and printer, at the Bible and Crown, in High-Street, by whom they are sold. - Also by Mr. Sandby, in Fleet-street; and J. Johnson and Co. in Pater-noster Row, booksellers, in London; and by Mr. Fletcher, bookseller, in Oxford. &c. &c, MDCCLXVI. [1766]

24.  Severn, an elegiac poem. To the memory of a lady. Worcester: Printed by R. Lewis; and sold by him and the booksellers of the neighbouring towns, 1767.]

25.  Baptist Church. Midland Association. Circular letter. 1767. The circular letter from the elders and messengers of the Baptist churches, meeting at Aulcester, Bourton, Birmingham, Bromsgrove, Bridgenorth, Bewdley, Leominster, Pershore, Tewkesbury, Bengworth, Upton, and Warwick, having also received Letters from Sutton, Middleton, and Hooknorton, met in association at Worcester, the 9th and 10th of June, 1767; maintaining the great Doctrines of Three equal Persons in the God-Head; eternal and personal Election; original Sin; particular Redemption; free Justification by the imputed Righteousness of Christ; efficacious Grace in Regeneration; and final Perseverance of the Saints. To the Churches they represent, wish Grace, and Peace may be multiplied through the knowledge of God, and our Saviour Jesus Christ. Worcester: printed by R. Lewis, [1767]

26.  Bond, Richard, Bookseller. Poems divine and moral. By R. Bond, ... Glocester: printed for the author; and sold by Mr. Caslon, in London; Mr. Parker, in Oxford; Mr. Martin, in Birmingham; Mr. Gamidge, and Mr. Lewis, in Worcester; Mr. Pugh, in Hereford; Mr. Bond, in Stroud; and by the author in Glocester, [1769?]

27.  Greenwood, J. [James]. The triumphs of corruption, a poem. By J. Greenwood. Worcester: Printed for the author, and sold by R. Lewis, bookseller and printer, [1770?]

28.  Hamilton, Newburgh. Samson: an oratorio. Worcester: Printed by R. Lewis, MDCCLXX. [1770]

29.  Israel in Egypt: an oratorio, or sacred drama: as performed at the College-Hall in Worcester. The chorus's entire, and the songs from other works of the late Geo. Frederic Handel, Esq. Worcester: printed by R. Lewis, MDCCLXX. [1770]

30.  Jennens, Charles, 1700-1773. Messiah, an oratorio. Set to musick by Mr. Handel. Majora Canamus. And without Controversy, great is the Mystery of Godliness: God was manifested in the Flesh, justified by the Spirit, seen of Angels, preached among the Gentiles, believed on in the World, received up into Glory. In whom are hid all the Treasures of Wisdom and Knowledge. Worcester: printed by R. Lewis, MDCCLXX. [1770]

31.  Baptist Church. Midland Association. Circular letter. 1771. [The] circular letter from the elders and messengers of the Baptist churches, meeting at Aulcester, Bengeworth, Bewdley, Birmingham, Bourton, Bromsgrove, Hook-Norton, Leominster, Middleton, Pershore, Sutton, Tewkesbury, Upton, Warwick, and Worcester, having received Letters also from Dudley, and Bridgenorth, met in association at Aulcester, May the 21st and 22d, 1771; and holding the Doctrines of Three equal Persons in the Godhead; eternal and personal Election; original Sin; particular Redemption; Free Justification by the imputed Righteousness of Christ; efficacious Grace in Regeneration; and the final Perseverance of the Saints. To the Churches they represent; wishing Grace and Peace may be multiplied, through the Knowledge of God, and our Saviour Jesus Christ. Worcester: printed by R. Lewis, MDCCLXXI. [1771]

32.  [Bevington, Timothy, 1726-1802]. An elegiac poem to the memory of a Friend, who died the 9th of the 7th month, 1771, in the 21st year of his age. Worcester: printed by R. Lewis, 1771.

33.  Morell, Thomas, 1703-1784. Jephtha, an oratorio. Or, sacred drama. As it is perform'd at the music-meeting in Worcester. Set to music by Mr. Handel. Worcester: printed by R. Lewis, 1773.

34.  Greenwood, J. [James]. The committee, a mock heroic poem, occasioned by the last Worcester election, in the year 1774. By J. Greenwood. Worcester: printed for the author, and sold by R. Lewis, Bookseller and Printer, [1774]

35.  Lovett, R. [Richard], 1692-1780. The electrical philosopher. Containing a new system of physics founded upon the principle of an universal plenum of elementary fire, wherein the nature of elementary fire is explain'd, ... To which is subjoin'd a postcript [sic]. ... By R. Lovett, ... Worcester: printed for, and sold by the author, and by R. Lewis. - Sold also by Mr. Bew, London; and by Mr. Fletcher, Oxford, 1774.

36.  Handel, George Frideric, 1685-1759. Messiah. Libretto Messiah,:an oratorio. Set to music by Mr. Handel. Worcester:: Printed by R. Lewis., M D CC LXXVI. [1776].

37.  Morell, Thomas, 1703-1784. Judas Macchabaeus, a sacred drama: as performed at Worchester Music-Meeting. Worchester: printed by M. Lewis, 1779.

38.  A collection of new songs. Containing, 1. Saunders's Ghost. 2. The Golden Glove. 3. The Banks of the Dee. 4. Plato's Advice. 5. A. Hunting Song. Worcester: printed and sold by J. Butler, in High Street, Worcester sold also by Mrs. [G]amidge, at the Bottom of Leech Street; and G. Lewis, in Broad Street, [1780?].

39.  A collection of songs. Containing, 1. Sweet Susan. 2. Farewell dear Heart, &c. 3. How blest is the Soldier, &c. 4. The Pilgrim. [Worcester]: Printed and sold by J. Butler, High Street, Worcester. - Sold also by S. Hazell, in Gloucester; J. Cooper, in Kidderminster; and G. Lewis and A. Gamidge, in Worcester, [1780?].

40.  Country John's garland. In two parts. Worcester: printed and sold by J. Butler. in High Street, Worcester -- Sold also by S. Hazell in Gloucester, J. Cooper in Kidderminster; and G. Lewis and A. Gamidge in Worcester, [1780?].

41.  Fairy stories. Fairy Tales. Containing, I. The blue bird and florina. 2. The King of the Peacocks and Rosetta. Wherunto [sic] is added, an excellent new-song, entitled. The fairies dance. [Worcester]: Printed for J. Butler, in High Street, Worcester: asd [sic] sold by Mrs. Gamidoe, at the Bottom of Leech Street; and G. Lewis, in Broad Street, [1780?]

42.  A choice collection of thirteen new songs. Containing, 1 A statesman and a doctor, 2 My lovely Sylvia, &c. 3 The sycamore shade. 4 The jolly gypsies. 5 The charms of Jenny. 6 The shepherds' holiday. 7 The three things. 8 The sweetest fair. 9 Now or never. 10 The dusky night &c. 11 The Queen of hearts. 12 Down the burn, Davy. 13 Willy of the dale. [Worcester]: Printed and sold by J. Butler, Worcester. - Sold also by Mrs. Gamidge, and by G. Lewis, [1780?]

43.  The linnet. A choice collection of new songs. ... [Worcester]: Printed and sold by J. Butler, Worcester. - Sold also by G. Lewis, Worcester, and by S. Hazell, Glocester, [1780?]

44.  Collection for the history of Worcestershire. ... [London]: Printed by John Nichols. Sold by T. Payne and son, J. Robson, B. White, Leigh and Sotheby, London: Fletcher at Oxford, and Lewis at Worcester, 1781.

45.  Stillingfleet, James, 1729-1817. Unity of faith, righteousness of life, and obedience to the civil power the means of preserving the peace of our Jerusalem recommended in a sermon preached in the Cathedral Church of Worcester, on Wednesday, February 21, 1781, being the day appointed for the general fast; by the Reverend James Stillingfleet, A.M. Prebendary of Worcester. ... Worcester: printed and sold by M. Lewis: sold also by Rivington; J. Mathews, London: D. Prince, Oxford; Hazard, Bath; Mills, Bristol; and T. Wood, Shrewsbury, [1781?]

46.  Nash, Treadway Russell. Collections for the history of Worcestershire. ... [London]: Printed by John Nichols. Sold by T. Payne and Son, J. Robson, B. White, Leigh and Sotheby, in London: Fletcher at Oxford, and Lewis at Worcester, 1781-82.

47.  Riland, John, 1736 or 1737-1822. The scriptural preservative of women from ruin, by seduction and prostitution, as revealed in the divine law, in a letter to a friend; designedly written for the particular use of young unmarried persons. By the Rev. John Riland, ... Birmingham: printed and sold by Pearson and Rollason; sold also by Alex. Hogg, and Messrs. Valance and Conder, London; Mrs. Lewis, Worcester; T. Wood, Shrewsbury [and 1 in Walsall, 1 in Oxford], 1782.

48.  Hawkins, John, active 18th century. An essay on the law of celibacy imposed on the clergy of the Roman Catholic Church, and observed in all the religious orders abroad; in which are delineated its rise, and progress from the most early ages of its existence, down to the present times; and the impropriety of this ecclesiastical constitution is shewn, whether it be considered in a moral, a physical, or a political light: as also, a summary account is given of the origin of the monastic life; of the prejudices which chiefly contributed to introduce it, and in what manner these have been perpetuated; &c. Interspersed with various remarks upon several other observances of the Roman Catholic Discipline. Worcester: printed and sold by M. Lewis, in High-Street; sold also by J. F. and C. Rivington, No. 62, St. Paul's Church-Yard, and J. Bew, Paternoster-Row, London; Fletcher, Oxford; Pearson and Rollason, Birmingham;  Pugh, Hereford; and Evans, Glocester, [1782?]

49.  Wood, William, 1745-1808. The treasure of the gospel in earthen vessels. A sermon, addressed to the congregation of protestant dissenters, in Worcester, on Tuesday, May 28, 1782, at a meeting of ministers, ... By W. Wood. Worcester: printed and sold by M. Lewis; Messrs. Buckland, London; Pearson and Rollason, Birmingham; Stokes, Kidderminster; Smart, Wolverhampton, and Hughes, Dudley, [1782?]

50.  Worcester Music Meeting. At the Cathedral, on Wednesday morning next. A sermon will be preached by the Rev. Mr. C. Smith; ... In the evening, at the College-Hall, a grand miscellaneous concert, ... [Worcester: printed by Mrs. Lewis?, 1785]

51.  The famous flower of serving-men; or, the lady turned serving-man. [Worcester]: Printed and sold by J. Butler, Worcester; sold also by G. Lewis, Worcester; and by S. Hazell, Glocester, [1785?]

52.  The wanton wife of Bath. Worcester: Printed and sold by J Butler, High Street, Worcester. Sold also by G Lewis, in Broad Street, Worcester; J Cooper, Hail Street, Kidderminster; and by S. Hazell, in Bolt Lane, Glocester, [1788?].

53.  Temple wedding; or, love at first sight. The temple wedding; or, the fortunate maid. Worcester: printed by J. Butler; sold also by J. Grundy,] and by G. Lewis, [1790?].

54.  The three Indian kings' garland. Being a faithful and true account how the powerful charms of a beautiful lady conquered the heart of one of the three Indian kings. Worcester: printed by J. Butler, High Street; sold by J. Grundy, Goose Lane, and by G. Lewis, Broad Street, [1790?]

55.  A collection of new songs. [Worcester]: Printed and sold by J. Butler, in High Street, Worcester; where country dealers and travelers may be supplied with histories, old and new books, patters, carols, Godly books, &c. - Sold also by G Lewis, in Broad Street, Worcester; and by S. Hazell, in Bolt Lane, Glocester, [1790?]

56.  The Bristol bridegroom; or, The ship-carpenter's love to the merchant's daughter. [Worcester]: Printed and sold by J. Butler, in High Street, Worcester. Sold also by S. Hazell, Bolt Lane, Glocester; J. Cooper, Hall Street, Kidderminster; and G. Lewis, Broad Street, Worcester, [1790?]

57.  The Windsor lady. [London]: Printed and Sold by J. Butler, in High-Street, Worcester. Sold also by G. Lewis, in Broad Street, Worcester; by J. Cooper, in Hall Street, Kidderminster; and by S. Hazell, in Bolt Lane, Gloucester, [ca. 1792]

58.  A Collection of carols. Part the first. ... [Worcester] Printed and sold by J. Butler, ... Worcester.--Sold also by J. Grundy, ... and by G. Lewis, ..., [Between ca. 1780 and 1800?]

59.  A Collection of carols. Part the second. 1. Now when Joseph and Mary. 2. Awake, awake sweet England. 3. Joseph was an old man. [Worcester]: Printed and sold by J. Butler, in High Street, Worcester.-Sold also by [J.] Grundy, Goose-..., and by G. Lewis, in Broad Street, between ca. 1780 and 1800?]

60.  A Collection of carols. Part the third. ... [Worcester] Printed and sold by J. Butler, ... Worcester.--Sold also by J. Grundy, ... and by G. Lewis, ..., [Between ca. 1780 and 1800?]

61.  A Collection of carols. Part the fifth. [Worcester]: Printed and sold by J. Butler. High Street, Worcester; sold also by J. Grundy, Goose Lane, and G. Lewis, Broad Street, [between ca. 1780 and 1800?]

62.  Tom and Will; or, the shepherd's sheepfold. [Worcester]: Printed and sold by J. Butler, Worcester; sold also by G. Lewis; and S. Hazell, Glocester.