Sherborne Mercury

[5] In 1749, the publications merged, with the resulting newspaper printed in Sherborne—the first combined issue was dated January 30.

Before any newspaper was published in Cornwall, the Sherborne Mercury had many subscribers and distribution throughout Cornwall, as far west as Penzance, It covered many Cornish news items, and was read by key businessmen and members of the professional class in the county.

This name was also applied to hawkers and carriers of other regional and local newspapers in the West Country.

Archive copies of this local paper can be found in the County Archives offices of the aforementioned Dorset and Cornwall, along with Wiltshire and Devon, testament to its historical importance as a newspaper of record in the West Country.

Names of the newspaper, starting in 1749 when the Sherborne Mercury and Western Flying Post merged, included the following (bold text indicates prominent wording of the masthead):