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Virginia mention in 1666, and mention of the Great Plague...
Virginia mention in 1666, and mention of the Great Plague...
Item # 554565
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July 23, 1666
THE LONDON GAZETTE, England, July 23, 1666 An extremely early issue of the world's oldest continually published newspaper, having begun just one year prior in 1665 and is still publishing today--over 340 years later! This is issue #72.
And this issue has some desirable content. The front page has two mentions of the "New World", Virginia more specifically, in the very first paragraph of the front page with: "...passed by this Harbor the Virginia fleet from Ireland, bound for Bristol..." (see). Keep in mind this is just 46 years after the Pilgrims landed in America.
Also of significance with this issue is the front page mention of the Great Plague. The year 1666 was noteworthy for at least two reasons: 1) it was a year in which the Great Plague was killing so many in England and elsewhere in Europe; and 2) it was the year of the Great London Fire which destroyed much of the city in September, just a few months after this newspaper was published.
Printed on the front page is a death report from the town of Norwich in England which notes: "The Account of our bill this last week is thus. Buried in all 85, whereof of the Plague 65. Besides at the Post house 20, and at Brakindale 2." Any period newspapers with mention of the Great Plague are very desired and increasingly difficult to find.
The balance of the issue is taken up with with various news of the day from throughout Europe, much of it military related. The issue is complete as a single sheet newspaper, measures 6 3/4 by 10 5/8 inches, has some browning at the edges but otherwise is in excellent condition.
Category: The 1600's and 1700's
No Longer Available
