PLYMOUTH |
The Encyclopaedia of Plymouth History |
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WEST OF ENGLAND CONSERVATIVE Amongst the local newspapers that went through a number of changes of name was the West of England Conservative and General Advertiser. It started out in 1835 as the Devonport Standard and Plymouth United Services Gazette but issue 2 in 1836 came out as the West Devon Standard. When the next issue was published on November 16th 1836 it was called the West of England Conservative and General Advertiser but that lasted for only six issues. The editor, and presumably proprietor, was a Mr Rogers.The newspaper was then put up for auction and was purchased by Mr James Husband, a solicitor. It then appeared as the West of England Conservative and Plymouth, Devonport and Stonehouse Advertiser. It was then sold again, to a Mr Jonathan Ramsey JP, a retired ironmonger. The editor was Mr Frederic (sic) Carrington. It then passed to Mr Ramsey's son, Mr Benjamin Ramsey, a solicitor. The sudden and unexpected death of his wife led to his own deterioration in health and the newspaper was sold to a syndicate of which the most active members were Mr Edward P Bastard, of Kitley House; Mr Champernowne, of Dartington; Mr Arthur Dyke Acland; the Reverend Nutcombe Oxenham; and Mr John Widdicombe, of Ugborough, an auctioneer. The paper was loud in its support for the High Church gained it the unofficial title of the "Puseyite Organ". When Mr Bastard decided to become a Roman Catholic and withdrew his money and support, the venture started to collapse and by 1850 it was being run by Mr Roger Lidstone, bookseller, and Mr William Hunt, who remained as editor. It was at that time being published every Wednesday from an office in George Lane, Plymouth. The West of England Conservative until November 17th 1852, after which it became The Western Courier, West of England Conservative, Plymouth and Devonport Advertiser. Its last issue seems to have been on May 3rd 1854. The British Library Newspaper Library has a full run.
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