The Manchester Gazette was founded by William Cowdroy in 1795.
William and his four sons were responsible for writing and printing
the newspaper. Although it was considered to be of poor quality, it
was purchased because it was the only non-Tory
paper in Manchester.
When William Cowdroy died in 1814, his eldest son, also called William,
became the new editor. With sales of only 250, the new editor decided
to improve the quality of the newspaper by encouraging members of
the political reform group that met at John Potter's house, to contribute
articles. John Edward Taylor, Archibald
Prentice and John Shuttleworth
all contributed regular articles and by 1819 the Manchester Gazette
was selling over 1,000 copies a week.
The arrival of the Manchester Guardian
in 1821 meant that Cowdroy lost all his best writers. Sales went into
decline and when William Cowdray died in 1822, his wife decided to
sell the newspaper. However, it was not until 1824 that Archibald
Prentice, with the help of Richard Potter and John
Shuttleworth, was able to raise the £1,600 needed to buy
the newspaper. As editor, Prentice was determined to make the Manchester
Gazette a much more radical newspaper.
The Manchester Gazette found it difficult to compete with the
the fast-growing Manchester Guardian.
In 1828 Archibald Prentice went bankrupt
and was forced to close the Manchester Gazette.
The
Manchester Gazette (28th August, 1819)
Another
party marched in from St. Peter's Road direct up to the hustings.
Another party marched in at twelve o'clock, with a band of music and
a flag, accompanied with a cart for the hustings, in which women were
riding. At this moment the hustings were filled with men, eight flags
or banners flying, several thousands standing round with hats off.
George Swift, a Reform orator, now addressed the meeting, and on ending
his speech four or five huzzas were given by order. At 12.30 another
cart, with planks; and a large chair, were brought to add to the hustings.
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