Tabloid scandals: Hacks and aristocrats

As Matthew Shaw demonstrates, scandal sold newspapers 200 years ago, just as it does today.

'Lady P Aragraph championizing', a satirical print of 1814 which shows Lady Perceval writing 'strong but not libellous' pieces for newspaper publication via an intermediaryAlmost two centuries ago, on the southern side of the Thames at Blackheath, the worlds of press, politics and court were drawn together by the pen of Bridget, Viscountess Perceval. She counted herself a friend of the troubled Princess Caroline, who had separated from the Prince Regent and had been installed in a rented house near Blackheath, distraught at being separated from her daughter, the Princess Charlotte.

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