Introduction
Provincial newspapers were first published in the early 19th century and by 1800 there were about 100 titles. They were published weekly and were mainly a digest of what the London daily papers had to say. There was little local news reported at this time, these early papers contained information mainly about international & national events, prices of commodities and court news. Taxes kept the newspapers small, they often consisted only a single sheet.
Growth came about with the reduction of stamp duty in 1836 and its abolition in 1855. The introduction of new technology in printing and improvement to the distribution networks due to the proliferation of the railways from the 1840s also helped, by reducing the production costs. From this period provincial papers increased in size enabling local news to be reported. Newspapers can be useful for historians writing the social history of and area and for family historians as they may give details about individuals.
Brief Chronology of Newspapers
1622 - earliest English newspaper produced.
1641 - first newspaper produced containing domestic news.
1655 - most newspapers suppressed after Civil War – state monopoly e.g. Mercurus Politicus, Publick Intelligencer).
1690-3 - first Provincial newspapers published (Worcester Postman [later Berrow’s Worcester Journal] – 1690; Lincoln, Rutland & Stamford Mercury - 1693.
1693 - press censorship abolished.
1712 - first tax on newspapers introduced (1d on whole sheet; 1/2d on half sheet) during war with France.
1756, 1789,1798,1804,1815 - taxes rose again.
1831-1835 - hundreds of newspapers (mainly sensational types) appeared during this period without tax stamps, despite prosecutions.
1836 - tax reduced – newspaper circulation rocketed from 39 million to c.122million.
1855 - tax abolished.
1855 - new provincial dailies were introduced both morning and evening – evening papers became very popular as they recorded sporting results.
News items
Factual reporting of events such as meetings was usually impartial. Speeches, sermons, etc. were usually reported verbatim, however, newspapers must be used with caution: they very often revealed the political view of the owner. The Newspaper Press Directory published from 1846 onwards provides details of owners, editors and their politics. Editors may be selective, e.g. no theatre activities, nothing that would cause the owner offence. In small villages, details might be reported by the local schoolmaster or clergyman and this might reflect their personal views.
