Mary Simmons

Mary Simmons (died circa 1687) was a member of the Simmons family who published radical works in London in the 17th century. The business's most notable author was John Milton. Mary took over the printing business from her husband in 1654 and ran it. She worked in partnership with her son, Samuel Simmons, when he was older. Life Her husband, Matthew died on 19 May 1654. He was an English printer noted for publishing radical work including several works by John Milton including Doctrine and Discipline of Divorce in 1643. They had children together including Samuel Simmons Mary was the person named as the administer of his affairs. Thomas Brooks's Anexichniastoi ploutoi tou Christou (The unsearchable riches of Christ) was printed by Mary Simmons in 1655 and her son Samuel was sent to the Merchant Taylors School until 1656. She and Samuel then ran the business together. However, it was Mary's name that appeared in the Stationers' Register and apprentices were contracted to her. According to the 1666 hearth tax she ran the largest printing business in London. In 1668 she had five employees and an apprentice working two presses.