Charles Rivington

Coming to London as apprentice to a bookseller, Matthews, he took over in 1711 the publishing business of Richard Chiswell (1639–1711), and, at the sign of the Bible and the Crown in Paternoster Row, he carried on a business almost entirely connected with theological and educational literature.

George Whitefield at that time was acknowledged as the leader of Methodism and he was preaching to thousands.

Rivington published A General History of the Pyrates in 1724, containing vivid biographies of contemporary English and Welsh pirates.

James emigrated to America, and pursued his trade in New York City; John carried on the business of Rivington and Co. on the lines marked out by his father, and was the great Church of England publisher of the day.

A descendant, Luke Rivington (1838-1899), became an English Roman Catholic priest and prolific Christian writer.

Samuel Richardson 's Pamela – at the bottom of the page is the publishers. Samuel, who was also from Derbyshire explains how he too was persuaded by Rivington to submit a novel in letters.