Newspapers from the East Midlands area have a long and distinguished history. The Derby Mercury, which ran from 1732 to 1933, was one of the earliest provincial newspapers and, with other titles, has an important role in the history of the 18th and 19th centuries.

Local newspapers cover nationally important events, often in greater detail than the national press. For example, if a new railway line was opened and ran through the town, the local newspapers would have covered the opening thoroughly.

Day-to-day events of the time are also recorded, such as floods, accidents, sporting occasions, celebrations, entertainments and the opening of public buildings, bridges and parks

Advertisements and public notices will also be found which give a wealth of information about the society, conditions and the people of the time. Businesses advertise their services, dates are given for auctions to be held and various kinds of organisations use local papers to issue statements of intent. In earlier times advertisements for domestic servants for the wealthier classes would be seen, along with weddings and obituaries.

Also every local paper prints its readers’ views about local events and issues of concern to them at the time.

Local newspapers are a useful source for all kinds of historical projects from family trees to village, church, club and sporting histories. Searching for information, however, can often be time-consuming as few newspapers have been indexed.

For full details of what we hold, and locations of local newspapers across the region, please check the East Midlands Newsplan Website.  

Here is a list of the major items available at the Derby Local Studies Library:

There are also editions of short-lived and free newspapers available.

Most of the newspapers held at Derby Local Studies Library are available on microfilm. We advise you to reserve a microfilm reader before visiting the library as the machines are always in great demand. There are also machines available for copying from microfilm and microfiche.

News Flash – see the earliest known photograph of an England Football Team

The earliest known photograph of an England Football Team, dating from 1876, has recently been uncovered in the newspaper collection at Derby Local Studies Library. Click here to view the photograph and article, just as they appeared in the Derbyshire Football Express on 6 March 1926. You can also view the front page of the newspaper from that date.

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