1724 - founded by Thomas Longman when he purchased the business of William Taylor in Paternoster Row. 1755 - following the death of Thomas Longman, the company continued under the leadership of his nephew Thomas Longman II. 1863 - takeover of John W. Parker, Son, & Bourne. 1884 - schoolteacher J.W. Allen joins the firm, keen to build up the educational lists and to develop markets in India and elsewhere. 1890 - takeover of the business of Francis Hansard Rivington on his retirement. 1909 - the sixth generation of Longmans, Robert Guy and William L., became partners. 1948 - the original Paternoster Row offices destroyed in the Blitz. 1968 - acquired by Pearson but still exist as an imprint of Pearson education.