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THE DAILY TELEGRAPH ARCHIVE: BACK ISSUE NEWSPAPERS
Newspapers have remained one of the most important uses of media over the centuries. They allow regular people to have an abundance of relevant, real world information at their fingertips. Tried and trusted, newspapers are considered to be a reliable source of information even in the modern day. Historically, newspapers allow an insight into another world, that of the past. The are the best source for deciphering exactly what was happening and when, with the helpful addition of the public’s views on events. The Daily Telegraph is a wonderful example of this.
The History
Founded by Colonel Arthur B. Sleigh, The Daily Telegraph was not initially a success. The first copy of the newspaper was printed on 29 June 1855, and only four pages in total length. The price of this early newspaper was two pennies. Joseph Mosey Levi took over the newspaper after its initial failure, aiming to produce a cheaper newspaper than large competitors like The Daily News. The Daily Telegraph was relaunched with the bold new slogan, “the largest, be, and cheapest newspaper in the world”. By the turn of the century, The Daily Telegraph was a well established newspaper. In 1908, Kaiser Wilhelm II gave a controversial interview to the newspaper, increasing tension between Britain and Germany leading up to the First World War. The Morning Post newspaper was absorbed into the business in 1937, even though it had been the main rival in the past. During the Blitz in the 1940s, Fleet Street was bombed almost daily. The Daily Telegraph had to be printed entirely by the Manchester team while the other office was under threat. In 1986, The Telegraph Group was purchased by Conrad Black. After a number of legal rows, The Daily Telegraph fell into the hands of the Barclay brothers, for a costly £665,000,000 in 2004.
The Telegraph has had a notably large internet presence since 1994. It was one of only 10,000 websites to be online at this times and Europe’s first online daily newspaper. The website initially only posted the biggest story from the original printed newspaper but later began publishing original material. The platform My Telegraph was introduced to users in 2007, allowing users to save articles, write their own blog and communicate with other readers.
Highlights and curiosities about “The Daily Telegraph”
- After absorbing The Morning Post, the newspaper was named The Daily Telegraph and Morning Post. It was later reverted back to the much simpler, The Daily Telegraph.
- During the Second World War, the newspaper helped to recruit code-breakers. They did this by including a crossword with a time limit in the newspaper and announcing a competition. The successful participants were told they would undertake a “particular type of work” to contribute towards Britain’s victory.
- When the first website for the newspaper was created in 1994, only 1% of the British population had internet access in their own homes. Despite this, the website was a success.
- The Daily Telegraph has been known to publish premature obituaries, supposedly by mistake. These include those of Dave Swarbrick and Dorothy Fay.
How to explore The Daily Telegraph archive and get The Daily telegraph back issues
To find back issues of The Daily Telegraph or to check availability of the newspaper, follow these steps:
- Visit The Daily Telegraph archive page
- Choose your desidered date.
- Choose your desired newspaper and edition.
- Select the pack you wish to purchase.
- Make sure to add a name to the certificate of authenticity along with your chosen date and message if the purchase is a gift.
