29 September 2023 at 03:00
Mid-17th Century London, London bridge on the right. On September 29, 1650 Henry Robinson, a noted religious dissenter, philosopher, writer , merchant, and sometimes government official, opened the Office of Addresses and Encounters, a brand new and unusual business on Threadneedle Street in London . At the office, for a modest fee of sixpence individuals and businesses could record their addresses, what services they could offer, and list what needs they might have . The poor could use the service without charge. Employers could offer jobs, and seekers find them. Real estate including country houses was offered but lodgers could also find accommodations. Hard to find merchandise was matched with buyers. It is said that...