Read All About It! First Newspaper Published in Britain

The first person to go to the moon, the first person to open Instagram, and the first person to own an iPhone. These are all historical moments that add value to our society (Yes, definitely in no particular order!) But what about the first news outlet? You know, the first source of information that people back then used. That can be easily found through a quick Google search. But, specifically, when was the first newspaper published in Britain?

Johann Gutenberg: Inventor of the Printing Press

Johann Gutenberg, a German inventor, is credited with creating Europe’s first printing press that utilized movable type. His invention revolutionized the dissemination of information by making it possible to print books and documents more efficiently. However, despite the profound impact of his invention, Gutenberg died penniless and blind in 1468.

Emergence of Newspapers in Europe

In the 50 years following Gutenberg’s pioneering work, an estimated 500,000 books were in circulation, printed on approximately 1,000 presses across the European continent. Gutenberg’s invention, although seemingly simple, ignited a revolutionary transformation in technology and led to the popularization of ideals such as liberty and freedom of information exchange.

Early Challenges to Press Freedom

Despite the eventual emergence of arguments in favor of press freedom, the English government continued to enforce its will through libel laws that prohibited criticism of the government, regardless of whether it was true or not. The saying at the time was, “The greater the truth, the greater the libel,” reflecting the fear that facts could undermine the established order. This would further delay the beginning of the first newspaper published in Britain.

In the American colonies, the first newspaper, Publick Occurrences, was published in Boston in 1690. It was quickly shut down by agents of the British monarchy due to its impertinence. However, despite censorship, newspapers continued to sprout across the colonies, challenging the crown’s authority.

Evolution of Printing Technology

Printing technology underwent significant advancements over the centuries. Initially adapted from a wine press design, the printing press evolved from wood to cast iron. Improvements were also made in paper manufacturing. The Industrial Revolution brought about the first of many upgrades in printing technology. In 1814, the Times of London installed a steam-powered press that greatly increased production capacity, leading to a tenfold increase in newspaper circulation. Before the Industrial Revolution, newspapers were infrequent due to their limited printing capacity. However, with technological advancements, the first American daily newspaper, the Pennsylvania Evening Post, was published in 1783.

The Rise of Daily Newspapers

Before the Industrial Revolution, newspapers were infrequent due to their limited printing capacity. However, with technological advancements, the first American daily newspaper, the Pennsylvania Evening Post, was published in 1783. However, electric lighting extended reading hours into the night, further popularizing newspapers. Additionally, the telegraph allowed reporters to transmit news instantaneously over great distances, making newspapers the biggest customers of the telegraph.

So, When Was the First Newspaper Published in Britain?

Many believe that the first newspaper published in Britain was “The Oxford Gazette”. The Oxford Gazette was founded in 1665 as an official government news publication, and it was followed by the London Gazette in 1666. Its unique characteristic of being a single-sheet publication printed on both sides led to its recognition as the inaugural English newspaper.

The Oxford Gazette, later succeeded by the London Gazette, holds a significant historical position as one of the earliest and foundational forms of newspapers in Britain. What distinguished the Oxford Gazette and, consequently, the London Gazette which followed in 1666, was its format and style. It was printed on a single sheet and featured news on both sides, setting a precedent for the structure of newspapers that would follow. This approach was a departure from earlier forms of news publication, such as pamphlets and newsbooks, and marked a shift towards a more recognizable newspaper format.

What about you? Are you a news person, or do you prefer to hear about celebrities and gossip more? Let us know below!