London Gazette facts for kids
The London Gazette is a very old and important official record for the British government. It's like a special newspaper, but it doesn't have regular news stories. It's known as the oldest surviving English newspaper. It was first published on 7 November 1665. The London Gazette is still published every weekday, except on Bank Holidays. You can even find many old records online, from 1752 to 1998.
Contents
The London Gazette's History
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The London Gazette first came out as the Oxford Gazette on 7 November 1665. This happened because King Charles II and his court moved to Oxford. They were trying to escape the terrible Great Plague of London.
People at court didn't want to touch London newspapers. They were afraid of getting sick. When the plague ended, the King went back to London. The Gazette moved with him. The first issue called the London Gazette (number 24) was printed on 5 February 1666.
Back then, the Gazette wasn't sold in shops like newspapers today. It was written by hand and sent by post to people who paid for it.
Special Traditions of the Gazette
The London Gazette has some interesting traditions.
Military Mentions and Promotions
During times of war, important reports from battles are printed in the London Gazette. If a soldier's brave actions are mentioned, they are said to have been "mentioned in despatches". This is a special honor.
When members of the armed forces get promoted to a higher rank, these promotions are also published here. When this happens, the person is said to have been "gazetted".
Other Public Notices
Being "gazetted" (or "in the gazette") also used to mean that someone had financial difficulties. Notices about engagements and marriages were also once published in the Gazette.
See also
In Spanish: The London Gazette para niños
