Licensing of the Press Act 1662

1. Introductory Text

2. Recital that the regulating of Printers is matter of public Care, and that many have been of late encouraged to print and sell seditious. Pamphlets, &c.

3. II. No private Person to print any Book, &c. unless first entered with the Stationers' Company of London; Exceptions; and unless first duly licensed.

4. III. Every Person authorized to license, to have one written Copy of the Book; which is to be delivered by Licenser to the Owner for printing, and afterwards returned to the Licenser to be kept.

5. IV. Merchants and Importers of Books to import the same into London only, unless special Licence;

6. V. No Persons to print or import Copies of Books, Books, Indentures, &c. in which others have any Right by Letters Patent, &c. solely to print, without the Consent of the Owners;

7. VI. Printers of Books, &c. to set their Names thereto, and declare the Name of the Author if required.

8. VII. No Haberdasher of Small Wares, &c. not licensed, nor being a Freeman of London, nor a Member of the Stationers' Company, to sell, &c. Books, &c.

9. VIII. No Merchant or other Person to print beyond Sea or import English Books, &c.

10. IX. No Person to erect a Printing Press or House, or let Premises for Printing, without giving Notice to the Stationers' Company.

11. X. No Person to be admitted a Master Printer till the Master Printers be reduced to Twenty, (Exception) which number is to be continued, and Four Master Letter Founders.; In case of Death, &c. of any Master Printer or Founder, the said Archbishop, &c.; to appoint another.

12. XI. The Number of Presses which Master Printers are allowed to keep.

13. XII. The Number of Apprentices which Printers (except the King's Printer) and Letter Founders are allowed to take and retain.

14. XIII. Master Printers and Master Letter Founders to take care that Journeymen are employed;

15. XIV. Messengers of the King's Chamber by Warrant under Sign Manual or the Hand of Secretary of State, or Master and Wardens of Stationers' Company, with a Constable, may search Houses, &c. for Books, &c. and may demand a Sight of Licence; and seize Books and Offenders.; Justices may imprison.; If Searchers find unlicensed Book which they suspect, they may seize and take it to Archbishop; &c.

16. XV. Printers, Letter Founders, &c. working for the Trade, offending.

17. XVI. Printers to reserve Three Copies of every Book, one for the King's Library, and one for each of the Universities.

18. XVII. Proviso for Universities licensing.

19. XVIII. No Search in Houses of Peers, or of Persons using other Trades, without special Licence.

20. XIX. Booksellers may import certain Books ready bound not formerly prohibited.

21. XX. Proviso for Persons who have sold Books or Papers in Westminster Hall, Palace of Westminster, &c.

22. XXI. Proviso for Grantees under the Great Seal, &c.

23. XXII. Proviso for John Streater, Stationer.

24. XXIII. Proviso for keeping and using a Printing Press in the City of York with Conditions.

25. XXIV. Continuance of Act.