Cheltenham Looker-On
Encyclopedia
The Cheltenham Looker-On was a social and literary weekly periodical published in Cheltenham
, England between 1833 and 1920.
The Looker-On was founded in 1833 by Henry Davies
, then the librarian and bookseller of Montpellier Spa
, with its first issue in May 1833. Davies had established his own newspaper in preference to taking a post offered with the Gloucester Chronicle. Initially, the Looker-On was a literary periodical professing itself to be "A Note Book of the Sayings and Doings of Cheltenham". It quickly established a reputation as a weekly fashionable and literary paper, the Gentleman's Magazine in 1837 crediting the editor "whose talents as an essayist and editor have been honourably displayed". The periodical's news and social gossip was widely quoted. For example its report regarding the nursing of Queen Victoria's daughter
was quoted in 1841 as far away as New Zealand
as was a report in 1847 of the Turkish Minister's wife arriving at Court in Court Dress rather than veiled.
The Looker-On mixed social news and literary contributions and followed its editor's opinions being very partisan in the Conservative
cause.
Following the death of its founder and editor for 57 years in 1890, it was taken over by his son Edward Llewellyn Davies until his death in 1898. The Looker-on became more a journal of news and fashion, and remained in publication until 1920. The Looker-On's Printing Works were also employed for local publications
The Cheltenham Looker-On has been widely referenced in local studies publications, biographies , music and miscellaneous articles
The Cheltenham Local Studies Centre at Cheltenham Public Library holds copies of the periodical. There is also a set at the British Museum.
Cheltenham
Cheltenham , also known as Cheltenham Spa, is a large spa town and borough in Gloucestershire, on the edge of the Cotswolds in the South-West region of England. It is the home of the flagship race of British steeplechase horse racing, the Gold Cup, the main event of the Cheltenham Festival held...
, England between 1833 and 1920.
The Looker-On was founded in 1833 by Henry Davies
Henry Davies (journalist)
Henry Davies was a Wales-born journalist, publisher and librarian at Cheltenham, England who took an active part in the town’s political life, and edited the Cheltenham Looker-On for 57 years.-Early life:...
, then the librarian and bookseller of Montpellier Spa
Montpellier, Gloucestershire
Montpellier is a district of Cheltenham, Gloucestershire , at the end of the Promenade south of the town centre. Originally developed in the 1830s in conjunction with the spas, it is now known for its bars, cafés, restaurants and range of specialist shops...
, with its first issue in May 1833. Davies had established his own newspaper in preference to taking a post offered with the Gloucester Chronicle. Initially, the Looker-On was a literary periodical professing itself to be "A Note Book of the Sayings and Doings of Cheltenham". It quickly established a reputation as a weekly fashionable and literary paper, the Gentleman's Magazine in 1837 crediting the editor "whose talents as an essayist and editor have been honourably displayed". The periodical's news and social gossip was widely quoted. For example its report regarding the nursing of Queen Victoria's daughter
Victoria, Princess Royal
The Princess Victoria, Princess Royal was the eldest child of Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom and Prince Albert. She was created Princess Royal of the United Kingdom in 1841. She became German Empress and Queen of Prussia by marriage to German Emperor Frederick III...
was quoted in 1841 as far away as New Zealand
New Zealand
New Zealand is an island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses and numerous smaller islands. The country is situated some east of Australia across the Tasman Sea, and roughly south of the Pacific island nations of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga...
as was a report in 1847 of the Turkish Minister's wife arriving at Court in Court Dress rather than veiled.
The Looker-On mixed social news and literary contributions and followed its editor's opinions being very partisan in the Conservative
Conservative Party (UK)
The Conservative Party, formally the Conservative and Unionist Party, is a centre-right political party in the United Kingdom that adheres to the philosophies of conservatism and British unionism. It is the largest political party in the UK, and is currently the largest single party in the House...
cause.
Following the death of its founder and editor for 57 years in 1890, it was taken over by his son Edward Llewellyn Davies until his death in 1898. The Looker-on became more a journal of news and fashion, and remained in publication until 1920. The Looker-On's Printing Works were also employed for local publications
The Cheltenham Looker-On has been widely referenced in local studies publications, biographies , music and miscellaneous articles
The Cheltenham Local Studies Centre at Cheltenham Public Library holds copies of the periodical. There is also a set at the British Museum.