Francis Noble (d. 1792)

Identifiers

  • Grubstreet: 15

Occupations

  • Bookseller
  • Publisher
  • Circulating Library Keeper

Francis Noble, bookseller (1739–92); at Otway’s Head, in St. Martin’s-Court, near Leicester-Fields (1711); at Otway's Head, King Street, Covent Garden (1756 or 1757–1758); circulating library opposite Gray's Inn Gate, No. 324 Holborn / near Middle Row, Holborn (1761–89); circulating library in King Street, Covent Garden (1750?/1754–7). Francis' brother John Noble's was at Dryden's Head in St. Martin's Court, near Leicester Square.

A Dictionary of the Printers and Booksellers who were at work in England, Scotland and Ireland from 1726 to 1775, by Henry Plomer et al. (1932)

NOBLE (FRANCIS and JOHN), booksellers and publishers in London: (1) Holborn; (2) Dryden's [Otway's] Head in St. Martin's Court; 1739–92. Commenced a circulating library in Holbornin 1739(?), said to be one of the first four that were established in London. In 1746 they issued a catalogue which shows that they specialized in books for children, and were also dealers in second-hand books. In 1765 The History of Miss Clarinda Cathcart is advertised as "Printed for and sold by Francis Noble at his Circulating Library opposite Gray's Inn Gate, Holborn, and John Noble, near Leicester Square. [Gazetter and Daily Advertiser, October 7th, 1765]. In 1775 the addresses are given as F. Noble, Middle Row, Holborn, and J. Noble, St. Martin's Court, near Leicester Fields. [Public Advertiser, February 24th, 1775.] They did not always publish together, and seem to have been separate firms. Francis Noble issued a trade card engraved by Ravenet, showing the interior of his library. This card, judging from the costumes, appears to have been issued between 1745 and 1750. He was then apparently alone at Otway's Head. [A. Heal's Collection.] He died in 1792. [Timperley, 1842, p. 776.]