Thomas Witherby (1719 – 26 November 1797)[1] was the founder of Witherby's, now known as the Witherby Publishing Group, one of the oldest publishing companies in the United Kingdom.[2][3][4] In 1740, he opened a stationer's shop at 9 Birchin Lane, London next door to the Sword Blade coffee house. His shop initially sold parchment, paper and stamps.[4] By the time of his death his shop was selling over 11,000 stamped skins annually.[4]
The family business grew into a printing business, a publisher specializing in marine subjects, a bookshop and other businesses.[5][6]
Thomas Witherby's records and those of his apprentices are held within the Records of London's Livery Companies as well in the London Metropolitan Archives. [7][8] These include precedent books containing pro forma specimen court documents and forms written in his own hand.[8]
In 1767 he was elected to the Council of the City of London Corporation representing Langbourn Ward.[9]