title: Thomas Witherby
text: # Thomas Witherby
  
  Thomas Witherby (1719 – 26 November 1797) was the founder of Witherby's, now known as the Witherby Publishing Group, one of the oldest publishing companies in the United Kingdom. In 1740, he opened a stationer's shop at 9 Birchin Lane, London next door to the Sword Blade coffee house. The family business grew into a printing business, a publisher specializing in marine subjects, a bookshop and other businesses.
  
  In 1767 he was elected to the Council of the City of London Corporation representing Langbourn Ward.
  
  