Home >
Very first issue of the London Gazette...
Very first issue of the London Gazette...
Item # 615045
Currently Unavailable. Contact us if you would like to be placed on a want list or to be notified if a similar item is available.
February 05, 1666
THE LONDON GAZETTE, England, Feb. 5, 1666 (printed as 1665 - using the "Old Style" Julian Calendar) This is arguably the most famous newspaper in the world, having begun in 1665 and is still publishing today, 350 years later. The newspaper actually started as "The Oxford Gazette" as the Plague had forced the King & the Royal Court out of London to Oxford to escape the contagion. The first 23 issues of this newspaper were published there under the title "The Oxford Gazette". Then, the king returned to London after the effects of the Plague had largely subsided, and the newspaper went with him, so although this is issue #24, it is also the very first issue with the now-famous title "The London Gazette", a title which continues to this day.
A back page item from Whitehall references the king's return with a report stating: "...waited upon his Majesty at White-Hall with the Complements of the City, in a humble welcome to his happy return after so long and melancholy an absence, and were very graciously received...". Another back page item reads: "This day His Majesty, with his Royal Highness, arrived in perfect health from Hampton-Court, at his Palace at White-Hall, to the infinite Joy of this City, which they endeavored to manifest by bells and bonfires and such other expressions of publick rejoycing as is easie to imagine, for the return of a blessing they had so long wished for." Other items include mention of a ship having arrived: "...from Virginia with tobacco and bever and one from New-England with fish...". An early Judaica item as well with a back page report of "A Jew lately returned hither from Jerusalem, who pretends to be the Messiah..." with more (see).
Complete as a single sheet newspaper, 7 by 11 1/4 inches, in uncommonly very nice, clean condition. There are a few very tiny worm holes near the bottom. An extremely rare opportunity for the very first issue of this famous title.
Category: The 1600's and 1700's
No Longer Available
