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Introduction Before 1860, Stratford-upon-Avon and south Warwickshire did not have a regularly produced local newspaper. Between 1749 and 1753, however, The Stratford, Shipston and Alcester Journal (later known as Keatings Stratford and Warwick Mercury) was published: it ran to only 210 issues, of which the Records Office holds seven, the only known surviving copies. These are to be found at ER1/2 and DR 331/32. As with most early papers, much of the national and international news was syndicated and few items of specifically local interest appeared. Between 1806 and 1860 The Warwick Advertiser fulfilled the function of a local paper for Stratford, although its geographical coverage was much wider. From June 1860, there has been a continuously produced weekly newspaper, The Stratford-upon-Avon Herald and South Warwickshire Advertiser. Holdings Stratford-upon-Avon Herald June 1860-date An on-going index of the major local contents is available in the Reading Room. This currently covers the years 1860-1917. Please note that to prevent wear and tear on the originals, years which have been fully indexed are available only on microfilm. Stratford-upon-Avon Chronicle 'an independent journal for Stratford-upon-Avon, Alcester, Henley-in-Arden, Eatington, Shipston, Snitterfield, Wellesbourne and adjacent villages' Jan 1861-Dec 1885 Warwickshire Advertiser 1806-1945; Jan-July 1950 A manuscript abstract of entries relating to Stratford exists for the years 1818-1840. Stratford-upon-Avon News 1901-1902 (incomplete) Shakespeare Pictorial/Stratford-upon-Avon Scene May 1928-June 1946 A monthly publication aimed at both local, national and international readers primarily interested in the Shakespeare festivals at the Memorial Theatre. It does, however, contain a wealth of local news and gossip, as well as feature articles. Between 1940 and 1946 it was severely limited in size and has less local interest. It enjoyed a brief revival, as the Stratford-upon-Avon Scene during the years 1946-50. Midweek News Free paper published by the Herald Press. March 1981-date Evesham/Stratford Journal A Stratford edition of the Evesham Journal was published as the Evesham Journal until October 1984 when it was renamed the Stratford Journal August 1964-Dec 1966; 1968-1975; 1978-2005 (incomplete). Stratford Observer/Standard A free paper starting in September 1988 as the Stratford Observer. After July 1995 it was re-named the Stratford Standard 1988-date (incomplete). Warwickshire Weekly News A free paper issued 1982-1984 Cuttings Scrapbooks of Stratford-related cuttings from the Coventry Evening Telegraph, the Birmingham Post and the Birmingham Evening Mail have been maintained since 1981. Further reading Anyone interested in further details of West Midlands newspapers and their surviving holdings should consult Tracey J. Watkins, Newsplan, West Midlands, 1990 or the Newsplan website. |
