Advice to Sunday barbers against trimming on the Lord’s Day; by a Barber-Surgeon 1706

Richard Hamersley or Hammersley (d.1733). ‘Advice to Sunday barbers against trimming on the Lord’s Day. Shewing them the evil of that great sin that they line in, by breaking God’s Holy Law, and strict command; by trimming thereon, which is no work of mercy, nor case of necessity; and therefore ought not to be done. Remember the sabbath Day to keep it Holy, Exo. 20.8

Published by the author, Rich. Hamersley, Barber-Chyrurgeon, in Walsall, in Staffordshire. Anno Domini 1702.’ Richard Hamersley [d. 1733] London: Printed by Tho. Bunce, and sold and Coventry, Litchfield, Birmingham, Tamworth, and Robert Soden Barber at Banbury as well as in London. 1706.

Octavo [6.50’’ tall x 4.00’’ wide]. Collates [8], 81, [8]p. A rather rare work, no records found and no other copies located for sale. With some light toning or browning. Some corner folds and reading wear commensurate with age else a sound and complete copy of a rather provincial work linked to the West Midlands.

Recased in another case and re-backed in black calf with ornate polished calf boards with ornate gilt décor. Raised bands and blind lines to the spine. A handsome binding.

Richard Hamersley was a barber surgeon active in Walsall, Staffordshire, in the first third of the eighteenth century. He is best known for the publication of two works arguing for strict observation of the sabbath including trimming on the Lord’s Day. In 1726, he was granted administration of the will of his son Richard, a brassfounder, at Wolverhampton. Hamersley was buried at Walsall on 22 May 1733.

References:

Children of Richard Hamersley and wife Elizabeth: Richard, bapt.26 April 1680 [Walsall]. Brassfounder, at Wolverhampton. Elizabeth, bapt.17 November 1681 [Walsall].

Publications: Advice to Sunday Barbers, Against Trimming on the Lord’s Day (London, 1706) [preface dated Walsall, 3 June 1702]. A Help against Sin in our Ordinary

Discourse (Birmingham, 1719). Notes and Queries, 3rd ser., vol.5 (London, 1864), p.145; Staffordshire RO, inventory and administration of the estate of Richard Hamersley, brassfounder, of Wolverhampton, Staffordshire, 19 February 1725/6, pr.23 March 1725/6.