Thomas Hobson
(1544?-1631), The Cambridge Carrier and perpetrator of 'Hobson's choice'Sitter in 5 portraits
Hobson was a carrier from Cambridge who refused to hire his horses out of their proper turn. The expression 'Hobson's choice' derived from his habit of offering his customers 'either this one or none'.
by Unknown artist
oil on canvas, 17th century? based on a work on 1629
NPG 1972
by John Payne
line engraving, mid 17th century
NPG D28489
by John Payne, published by Peter Stent
line engraving, mid 17th century
NPG D28491
after John Payne, published by William Richardson
etching and line engraving, late 18th to early 19th century
NPG D28488
after John Payne
line engraving, published 1793
NPG D28490
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