Journal returns to its roots

The Grantham Journal is on the move, returning to the almost identical spot it began 164 years ago

The Grantham Journal of Useful, Instructive and Entertaining Knowledge and Monthly Advertiser was launched in February 1854. It cost one penny (0.4p in today’s money).

The man behind it was bookseller John Rogers, head of Rogers and Son in Walkergate (Watergate). His shop was roughly where the Diva fashion shop now stands – the Journal’s future home.

By the end of the year the 12 page paper sold 2,000 copies a week.

In 1866, the Journal moved to the former Mail Hotel, High Street, its home

By 1970, the Journal had editions for Bourne, Melton Mowbray and Oakham. The Journal remained a family company until 1984, when it was bought by Grantham Shopper owners EMAP.

The following year it changed from being broadsheet paper when it became tabloid.

It was taken over first by Johnston Press and more recntly, Illiffe.

The High Street building was demolished to make way for a private car park and the staff moved to its current home, the former JobCentre Plus, St Peter’s Hill