Deighton Bell & Co

Sectors:

  • Publishing & printing Book trade activities
  • Publishing & printing Bookbinding
  • Distribution - retailing Books & other publications retailing
  • Publishing & printing Other publishing

Notes:

Traced origins to 1778 when John Deighton, 1748-1828, bought the bookselling business of Richard Matthews, Cambridge, and set up as a bookseller and bookbinder and subsequently publisher, emerging as a leading Cambridge book trade business. Became closely connected with Cambridge University. In 1785 relocated to London but returned in 1794, buying up the stock of the leading local booksellers, John & Joseph Merrill. Known as J Deighton & Sons from 1813, J J & J Deighton from 1827 and J Deighton from 1848. Resumed position as leading Cambridge publishers and booksellers. 1854 acquired by the leading educational publisher, George Bell of London when known as Deighton Bell & Co. Bell was bought out by an existing partner, William Wright Smith in 1872. Publishing had dwindled by 1930s and ended in 1960s but bookselling thrived. Business acquired by Dawsons in 1959 and by Heffers in 1987. Name ceased to be used in 1990s

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