Petyt [Petit], Thomas (b. in or before 1494, d. 1565/6), printer and bookseller, was born in England but may have been related to the Parisian printer John Petit, who is said to have had printed books ‘in thaundes of Thomas Petytt’ in exchequer receipts (Duff, Century, 120). Nothing further is known of Petyt’s origins, although he had property in Greenstead and Stanford Rivers, and a kinswoman named Agnes Vincent, in Sheppey, Kent.
By the time of his death Petyt was a powerful member of the Drapers’ Company. He was Warden between 1545 and 1561 his name frequently appears in the company’s records of assessments for gifts, loans, and subsidies, usually as one of the wealthiest men assessed.
Petyt died at some point between 18 May 1565 when he drew up his will and 13 February 1566 when it was proved by his wife and sole executor, Joanne (whose previous married name was Wood). Gefferey Finche of Greenstead is named supervisor.
