The Era (newspaper)

The Era was established in 1838 by a body of shareholders consisting of licensed victuallers and other people connected with their trade.

Its first editor, Leitch Ritchie, proved too liberal for his board of directors, and in addition to editorial clashes, the paper was a commercial failure.

"[1] In an 1856 advertisement, The Era claimed to be the "largest Newspaper in the World, containing Sixty-four Columns of closely-printed matter in small type.

However, to be seen walking along the street with The Era under the arm, its title displayed for the passer-by to read, proved to all that the person carrying it was a "Pro".

[2]The Era was the longest running theatrical trade paper[3] and continued to publish until the beginning of World War II, although its popularity and importance had long since declined.