Exeter Flying Post, 1862-1863

Trewman’s Exeter Flying Post was established in 1763 by Robert Trewman, in direct competition to printer Andrew Brice’s Old Exeter Journal. During the eighteenth century there was a massive boom in the newspaper industry, following the relaxation of printing laws at the end of the seventeenth century, and the expansion of the literate middle class. The paper went on to become what Ian Maxted has called the ‘first, long lived Exeter newspaper of any substance.’ Despite its name, the paper reported on both local and national news, giving researchers an insight into the goings on in the Devon area, and interpretation of events further afield.

The Devon and Exeter Institution holds bound volumes of the paper from 1798 to 1917, making it a cornerstone of the library’s newspaper collections. A number of volumes have received restoration work, but this one remains in a sorry state, making it difficult for researchers to use without causing further deterioration.

The cost to carry out conservation work on this book would be £605. If you would like make a donation to pay for the book’s restoration, as part of our ‘Rescue a Book’ campaign, please fill in the form below. You can also email [email protected] or speak to our Librarian in person.

Your donation helps to support the Institution, and to preserve our collections for future generations.

In return for your donation, you will receive a certificate, and your name will be entered in our Benefactors’ Book. A personalised bookplate will also be placed inside the book that you have rescued, making you a part of the history of the Institution.