Lucy Gardner (d. 1789; fl. 1767–1769)

Lucy Gardner, bookseller (fl. ca. 1767–9) opposite St. Clement’s Church in the Strand. Widow of Thomas (ca. 1712–1765) and mother of Henry Lasher Gardner (1743–1808). Henry gained his freedom in 1765 but his name does not appear on an imprint until 1769.

The will of Thomas Gardner of the Parish of St. Clement's Danes, printer, citizen, and stationer of London, was probated 18 April 1765. He left a sizeable inheritance of £2000 to be divided equally amongst his children Anne Catherine, Henry Lasher, and Lucy Mable. An annuity, the house where he currently lived in St. Clement Danes, and the house in Milford Lane which he had amassed to his "said dwelling house" were left to his wife Lucy, and after her demise to his son Henry Lasher Gardner.—Records of the Prerogative Court of Canterbury, Series PROB 11. The National Archives, Kew, England. Piece 907: Rushworth, Quire Numbers 98-147 (1765).

Advertisements taken in by ... Mrs. Gardner, at Cowley's Head, opposite St. Clement's Church in the Strand; where the Printing and Bookselling Business is carried on as usual.—Whitehall Evening Post, 19–22 September 1767

Lucy Gardner's name appeared on only three imprints—all works by Eliza Haywood—of which she advertised just one, The Female Spectator:

Printed for Mrs. Gardner, opposite St. Clement's Church in the Strand ... To this new Edition of the Female Spectator, the Proprietor is at Liberty to prefix the Author's Name, and in thus gratifying public Curiosity, do Honour to a Lady, whose literary Compositions will perpetuate her Memory, as the Utility of them will always render it respectable.—St. James's Chronicle or the British Evening Post, 8–10 April 1766