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Belfast News Letter editions from 1700s to be digitised

NIO Two men wearing glasses and navy suits with white shirts and ties look at old copies of a newspaper. The copies have been bound together in a large book. A shelf with books is behind them.NIO
David Montgomery, the National World executive chairman, and Secretary of State Hilary Benn in the the Linen Hall Library in Belfast

Editions of the Belfast News Letter from the 18th to the 20th centuries are to be digitised as part of a new project.

Contemporary reports of events, such as the Irish Parliament winning legislative independence from Britain in 1782 and the formation of the Orange Order in 1795, will be available.

It's part of a UK government project and will mean copies from three centuries will be available online.

Secretary of State Hilary Benn said the newspaper is "an important part of Northern Ireland's unique cultural heritage".

'Precious historical records'

NIO A man wearing glasses and a suit is sitting looking at the camera. Another man, also wearing glasses and a suit, is standing next to him. A large grey computer with archived copy is next to them. Filing cabinets are in the background. NIO
Benn viewed historic copies of the News Letter on microfilm with David Montgomery on a trip to the Linen Hall Library in Belfast

The News Letter, first published in September 1737, will mark its 288th anniversary this year as the oldest English language daily paper still in circulation.

On a visit to the Linen Hall Library to look at historic copies of the paper, Benn said: "The UK Government is committed to digitising these historical archives to promote the richness of Northern Ireland's traditions around the world, including in nations with historic ties, such as the United States.

"This will also ensure that these precious historical records are preserved and accessible for generations to come."

'A fascinating window'

David Montgomery, executive chairman of the News Letter's owners, National World plc, said the paper has been in "the frontline of local and global news and opinion" for four centuries.

"It was already in its 40th year when it covered the US Declaration of Independence," he added.

"In the 1990s it and other Northern Ireland papers helped pave the pathway to peace."

Getty Images A close up of a pile of folded newspapers.Getty Images
The project will be completed in spring 2025

The Northern Ireland Office is working in partnership with the British Library and FindMyPast for the project.

Sarah Bush, from Findmypast, said the project offers "a fascinating window into centuries of Northern Ireland's history as it happened".

The process will be completed in spring 2025 and will then be available free from some libraries with a subscription to Findmypast.