Newspapers

Newspapers can be incredibly useful primary sources for historical research. They reflect the time period in which they were created, and provide glimpses into different strata of society at that time. Many historical newspapers are now available digitally and these allow researchers to perform focussed advanced searches by keyword, date, and type of article. The Times is available via the library website as is the British Library Collection of 19th century newspapers. However, there can still be value gained from looking at the newspaper as a physical object.

By looking at a physical copy of a newspaper you can experience it as contemporary readers did. Newspapers, including The Times, looked dramatically different a century ago. In the early twentieth century advertisements covered the front pages, and the headlines weren't found until several pages in. Articles were crammed together, and photographers were much less frequent, although they were gaining in popularity and had already become a staple feature elsewhere in the interwar press.

The placing of an article in a paper - which page it is on, where it is placed on the page, and how large the typeface is - all affect our reading of it, as do the other articles with which it is surrounded. Advertisements on a page can suggest the anticipated readership, and their desired if not their actual condition of living. They can also colour the articles with which they are juxtaposed. See for example current debates in newspapers relating to fashion journalism and sponsored content from brands.

Image credit Leeds University Library