The story started with the publication of the single-sheet Worcester Postman in 1690, when the Press had finally won its fight for freedom against rigorous repression and control. The Post-Man dated December 8th to Decemeber 16th, 1710 is the earliest copy known to be in existence.
The main news of the day concerned the War of the Spanish Succession, and there is a reference to Marlborough conferring at The Hague as to the disposition of the Allied forces. The Worcester Post-Man cost twopence at first, and later, when newspapers were taxed, 21/2d.