The Somerset Studies Library holds microfilm copies of all of the major Somerset newspapers, covering most editions from the first publication to the current date. A considerable number are available for self-service use in the public searchroom, whilst smaller titles and editions after 1974 can be requested from our strongrooms. We recommend booking a newspaper reader in advance, as they can be very popular with researchers. Copies may be taken from the reels: please see our Charges leaflet for our current costs.

Filmed copies of many Somerset newspapers can be viewed at the British Library’s Newsrooms in London and West Yorkshire. A growing number of Somerset newspapers can also be viewed online (for a fee) at the British Newspaper Archive. Free access to the British Newspaper Archive is available at the Somerset Heritage Centre.

Newspapers on Microfilm

Bath and Cheltenham Gazette (1812 - 1893) - Duplicate editions held at Bath Record Office

Bath Chronicle (1762 - 1975) -  Duplicate editions held at Bath Record Office

Bath Journal (1744 - 1837, 1893 - 1916) - Duplicate editions held at Bath Record Office

Bridgwater and Somersetshire Herald/Alfred (1831 - 1833) - Duplicate editions held at Bridgwater Library

Bridgwater Independent (1885 - 1895, 1898, 1900 - 1910, 1912 - 1928) - Duplicate editions held at Bridgwater Library

Bridgwater Mercury (1857 to date) - Duplicate editions held at Bridgwater Library

Bridgwater Standard (1861 - 1870) - Duplicate editions held at Bridgwater Library

Bridgwater Times (1846 - 1861) - Duplicate editions held at Bridgwater Library

Burnham and Highbridge Weekly News (1989 to date) - Duplicate editions held at Bridgwater Library

Burnham Gazette (1895 - 1985, later as an edition of Bridgwater Mercury) - Duplicate editions held at Bridgwater Library

Central Somerset Gazette - as Mid Somerset Series from 1982 (1862 to date)

Chard and Ilminster News (1875 to date)

Cheddar Valley Gazette - as Mid Somerset Series from 1982 (1957 to date) - Duplicate editions held at Wells Library

Cheddar Valley Times/Gazette (1915 - 1935) - Duplicate editions held at Wells Library

Clevedon Mercury (1870 - 1950) - Duplicate editions held at Weston super Mare Library

East Somerset Telegraph (1859 - 1860, 1862 - 1886)

Frome and Somerset Standard - See Somerset Standard

Frome Journal (1981 - 1983)

Frome Times (1859 - 1886) - Duplicate editions held at Frome Library

Langport Herald (1855 - 1896, 1898 - 1937)

Palmer’s Weekly News (1894 - 1895, 1897 - 1909, 1911 - 1916)

Pulman’s Weekly News (not all editions - see below) (1857 - 1987) - 1857-1980 also held at Yeovil Library

Shepton Mallet Journal - as Mid Somerset Series from 1982 (1858 to date) - Duplicate editions held at Wells Library

Sherborne Mercury - see Western Gazette

Somerset and Wiltshire Journal (1855 - 1897, 1900 - 1925) - Duplicate editions held at Frome Library

Somerset County Gazette (1836 to date)

Somerset County Herald (1843 - 1895, 1897 - 1964)

Somerset Express (1887 - 1897, 1900 - 1933)

Somerset Guardian (1893 to date) - 1910, 1912-1985, 1990, 1996 to date also held at Frome Library

Somerset Standard (1887 - 1895, 1898 to date) - Duplicate editions held at Frome Library

Taunton Mail (1894 - 1895, 1898 - 1911, 1913 - 1923)

Taunton Courier (1810 - 1832, 1834 - 1889, 1891 - 1895, 1898 - 1911, 1913 - 1936)

Taunton Journal (1725 - 1727) - On CD-Rom

The Times (1785 - 1985) - Later copies held by Taunton Library

Wellington Weekly News (1861 - 1952, 1969 to date)

Wells Journal - as Mid Somerset Series from 1982 (1851 to date) - Duplicate editions held at Wells Library

West Somerset Free Press (1860 to date)

Western Flying Post - See Western Gazette

Western Gazette and its predecessors (not all editions – see below) (1737 to date) - Duplicate editions of the Somerset editions held at Yeovil Library

Western News (1855-1920)

Westonian/Weston Mercury - HELD AT WESTON SUPER MARE LIBRARY

Newspapers not on Microfilm

The following editions aren’t available on film:

Pulman’s Weekly News: Devon and Dorset Editions for 1861, 1866 - 1878, 1886, 1889, 1893 - 1916, 1924 - 1925, 1928 - 1929, 1933 - 1939, 1952 - 1987_._ Originals available for consultation up to 1969 (condition permitting). Please check prior to your visit.

Western Gazette: Dorset, Wiltshire and Hampshire Editions for 1901, 1902, 1906 - 1910, 1912 - 1971, 1974 - 1976, 1983. Originals available for consultation up to 1970 (condition permitting). Please check prior to your visit.

Sherborne Journal: All Dates. An incomplete series of originals is available for consultation for the years 1778-1854 (condition permitting). Please check prior to your visit.

Further Reading

• Brooke, L. (1960) Somerset Newspapers, 1725-1960 (S 016.07 BRO)