Background
He was born in Manchester, and educated at the Manchester Grammar School.
He was born in Manchester, and educated at the Manchester Grammar School.
In March 1810 he enlisted in the 33rd Regiment of Foot, was wounded at the Battle of Waterloo, and was discharged on 28 November 1815. He went back to his apprenticeship to an engraver and copperplate printer, and in 1821 became a letterpress printer by indenture to Messrs. Dicey & Smithson, proprietors of the Northampton Mercury.
In April 1828 Timperley gave two lectures on the art of printing to the Warwick and Leamington Literary Institution.
He then became foreman to T. Kirk of Nottingham, and editor of the Nottingham Wreath. Timperley later managed a bookseller"s shop owned by Bancks & Company of Manchester.
The business was undermined by sharp practice and fraud.