Worcester News: Static HTML image
Worcester News: Static HTML image

In 1722 the title of the newspaper was changed to the Worcester Post or Worcester Journal and some improvements were made in the appearance and contents. In one number the following appeared: ''Beware of spurious papers which infest the country.'' (It is suggested that the obnoxious rival was the Ludlow Postman). In 1730 it became the Weekly Worcester Journal, and was hampered by a duty of a shilling on each advertisement. On many of the old file copies receipts for eight shillings, or other amounts appear in the margin.

FATALITIES IN THE CITY

Some of the advertisements were very odd indeed, such as this one published in 1732. ''Whereas it hath been maliciously reported, that I, Doctor William Bibb, was the operator that cut the corns of James Saunders, Esq, Mayor, lately deceased; This is to satisfy all gentlemen and ladies, that I was not the Operator, nor concerned at all in the case, having never had any misfortune of that nature, nor any other, in the thirty years which I have practised the art of corn-cutting, and having my abode in the Angle-lane, shall be ready to attend and relieve, all such shall send for their Humble Servant, William Bibb.'' And another from the same period: ''Whereas Richard Eysam, a lad of about 15 years old, born at Leominster, wearing an olive colour'd coat and black wig, eloped from the service of his master, John Gwyer, a hosier, of Leicester, about five week ago: This is to discharge every person and persons whatever from entertaining him at their peril.'' At about this time, the paper used to list the fatalities in the city at the end of each year.

Here is a typical list:

Broken leg
3
Drowned
59
Executed
17
Bruised
2
Excessive Drinking
4
Frightened
1
Found dead
39
Murdered
11
Overlaid
47
Planet struck
1
Made away themselves
28
Killed by several accidents
55

In 1748 Stephen Bryan's health began to fail and the following notice appeared in the Journal: ''To the Publick: Mr Bryan having declined the printing of this paper, it is now undertaken by H Berrow (Who served a regular apprenticeship in London) and will be conducted in such manner, and contain such a variety of news, miscellaneous pieces etc as shall render it, in all respects, both useful and entertaining. Note - the said H Berrow having purchased all Mr Bryan's materials carried on the printing business in all its branches, neatly and correctly at his office in Goose Lane near the Crown.''


Full Chapter List
Chapter 1: A Place in History
Chapter 2: Enter Mr Berrow
Chapter 3: Fatalities in the City
Chapter 4: First Woman Editor
Chapter 5: Mayoral Conflict
Chapter 6: To The Present Day
Chapter 7: Newspaper History