The Kentish Post in 1717 was among the earliest British
newspapers.
Why are local newspapers important?
They are key sources for anyone studying family history or the
local and social history of communities. They provide information
for students and readers of all ages whether they are doing school
projects or writing university theses, drawing up family trees or
researching pictures and illustrations. The NEWSPLAN programme
records and preserves local newspapers.
What can you read there?
Family history and genealogy in birth, marriage, death notices
and some obituaries. Accident, crime, court and coroners' inquest
reports. Local histories of schools, churches, houses and events.
Sports and games reports, local shows. Political, council and
official matters. Notes and notices of local business, shops,
finance and industry. Photographs, engravings and masses of
advertisements.
What might you find there?
All kinds of contemporary accounts of historic events. The
national news makes the main headlines. But remember that
especially before the railways came local newspapers reported much
national and international news. Remember, too, that local
newspaper reporters were right on the spot to witness the terror of
Jack the Ripper in London's East End in 1888, the tragedy of the
Hungerford massacre in 1987, the 'little ships' bringing an army
safe home from the Dunkirk beaches in 1940 - and countless other
events.
What may the search and chase for clues bring?
See how subjects return with different coverage - Bosnia was
reported in 1909 as well as in 1992. See attitude changes over time
to murder, civil rights, divorce and so many other issues -
Battersea Dogs Home was much criticised when first set up;
Napoleon's exhumation was described in detail; Queen Victoria's
death practically extinguished all other news.
One local newspaper reader found lists of Sussex prisoners of
war in French prisons in1812 during the Napoleonic wars; another
discovered one of the last matches played by the great cricketer WG
Grace in Bexley in 1915; yet another traced a rogue shipping agent
in 1870s Littlehampton while one reader regarded his getting a
first class degree to be due in part to reading about immigration
appeals in his local London newspaper.