Thomas Berthelet

Thomas Berthelet (died 1555) was a London printer, probably from France. His surname was also variously spelt Berthelot and Berthelett. Berthelet was to become King's Printer and King's Bookbinder for Henry VIII. His name was Englished as "Bartlett".

Background Berthelet was of French descent though very little is known about his background before he established himself as a printer in London. He is thought to have been apprenticed to London printer Pynson, and some historians have suggested he may have been known as Thomas Bercula previously. He was a member of the Stationers' Company.

On 27 September 1524 Berthelet printed his first book Opus sane de deorum dearumque gentilium genealogia, a small tract by the monk Galfredus Petrus of Bayeux, which was printed in his premises in Fleet Street. In 1528 he printed a translation by Thomas Paynell of the Regimen sanitatis Salerni. This became one of the most popular medical books of the time.

In 1545 he was appointed by the Common Council to a committee for poor-relief in the city, together with Humfrey Pakington, Stephen Kirton, Augustine Hynde, William Garrard, Thomas Bacon and others, assisting the Lord Mayor and four aldermen in the work of receiving the Hospitals (dissolved religious houses) from the King and devising ordinances for their future management. In 1548, with regard to St Bartholomew's Hospital, in view of their painstaking work on the orders and constitutions, and their especial diligence, they (including Berthelet) were reappointed for one further year to continue their governance of the refounded institution.

Private life Berthelet died in London on 26 September 1555. He was succeeded by his second wife, Margaret, and two sons. Berthelet's funeral was held before 26 January 1556 and the mourners included priests, clerks and fellow craftsmen from the book trades.

Historiated initials owned by Thomas Berthelet