Title

A National Hero

Description

William Caxton’s reputation took off in the 18th century when antiquarian Joseph Ames brought new focus to his role as England’s first printer. The first major Caxton anniversary took place in 1877, 400 years after his first dated book. It was marked by popular biographies, facsimiles, stained-glass windows and a large exhibition in South Kensington. A century later, Caxton anniversary celebrations took as their starting point his first publication in England in 1476. Exhibitions were held and there was even a thanksgiving service in Westminster Abbey.