Meet one of York's most famous residents. This chained devil is carved of wood and can be found on Stonegate at the entrance to Coffee Yard. Printer's devils were small boys who were used to fetch the type, and this symbol was used to indicate a printing establishment. The devil was also held responsible for any 'typos' that crept into the finished work.
On this day in 1719 York's first ever newspaper was published by a woman called Grace White who had inherited her husband's printing business in Coffee Yard. I wonder if she knew this little devil?
He looks quite old. I do not want to raise a red flag but if he is quite old that would explain perhaps why he reminds me of the earlier representation of the Turks. Which was the then generic name given to Muslims.
ReplyDeleteFascinating history!
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