Jesse Ward was an important
local businessman.

Setting up a newspaper
was a risky financial undertaking.
Keeping detailed accounts
was important.

He was also careful
to label his machinery,
like his printing press,
which was an essential
part of his business.

The label which Jesse wrote
and attached to his
new printing machine
is read by an actor.

“This machine is the property
of Mr Jesse Ward.
Advertiser Office,
Croydon.”

In the early 19th century
newspapers were expensive
and most people couldn’t read.

Fifty years later
newspapers were becoming more popular.
They were cheaper
as the government tax was removed
but more importantly
the1870 Education Act
paved the way
for everyone to learn to read.

Jesse launched the Croydon Advertiser
in 1869.

It promised honesty,
first class news,
a fair deal for advertisers
and firm support for the Liberal Party.

To find out more about Newspapers
in Croydon you can visit the
Research Room to look at:

* Jesse Ward Biographical File
* Street Directories listing newspaper
offices and their proprietors
* Local newspapers including
Croydon Guardian, Croydon Times,
Croydon Chronicle Croydon Advertiser
and Norwood News

The Research Room is on the
lower ground floor of the Clocktower,
it is open Tuesday-Saturday
10:30am-5pm.