A Dictionary of the Booksellers and Printers who Were at Work in England, Scotland and Ireland from 1641 to 1667/Simmons (Mathew)
SIMMONS (MATHEW), bookseller and printer in London, (1) Golden Lyon in Duck-Lane, 1636; (2) Goldsmiths Alley [? Cripplegate]; (3) Next door to the Golden Lion, Aldersgate Street. 1636-54. Took up his freedom January 14th, 16312. [Arber, iii. 687.] Apparently he began as a bookseller, as the 1636 edition of Geo. Gilpin's Beehive of the Romish church was printed by M. Dawson and sold by Simmons at the Golden Lyon in Duck Lane. [B.M., 3935, a. 43.] In 1641 he was still in a small way of business, as in the return made on August 5th of those who had paid their proportion of Poll Tax, he is entered amongst those who paid the smallest amount. [Domestic State Papers, Charles I, vol. 483 (11).] He appears to have started a press some time after 1641, and quickly rose into favour, his press being largely employed by the Independents. He printed many of John Milton's writings, and amongst the orders of the Council of State are the following: Sept. 4th, 1649. Mr. Frost to see that Mr. Simmons the Printer is satisfied for printing some books put out under the title of Discoverer. December 26th, 1651. Simmons the printer to attend Frost to give in bond, according to his bargain with Mr. Ledsom, not to sell or part with any of the reams or sheets of paper now in his hands, of the History of Independency. Simmons was also the printer of the news-sheet entitled A Briefe Relation of some affairs and transactions, Civill and Military begun Oct. 1., 1649. He died May 19th, 1654. [Smyth's Obituary, p. 38.]