The newspaper was founded in Manchester by Edward Hulton in August 1885.
The paper initially cost one penny and, despite its name, was published on both Saturdays and Sundays.
[1] The socialist Robert Blatchford worked for the paper in its early years and, owing to his influence, it supported the Manningham Mills strikers.
However, Blatchford was sacked immediately after the strike and instead founded the Clarion with the paper's drama critic, Alexander M.
[3] Publication was moved to London, and James Drawbell was appointed editor, positioning it as a middle market newspaper and increasing circulation.