On this day

December 25, 1897

cover page of Illustrated Sporting and Dramatic News published on December 25, 1897

Illustrated Sporting and Dramatic News

Issues

4,085

Pages

177,152

Available years

1874-1970

Founded in 1874 and printed in London, the Illustrated Sporting and Dramatic News contained, at first, reporting on sporting events, theatrical news, fictional stories, and a regular chess column, but later it became a more farming orientated publication. This newspaper had two title changes during its publication run; first in 1943 to Sport and Country, then again in 1957 to Farm and Country, which it was known as until it ceased publication in 1970.

The Illustrated Sporting and Dramatic News had a focus on equestrian sports and hunting, but also reported on other sporting events such as those of cricket, tennis, rugby, and rowing. By the 1940s it had lost its focus on drama, instead involving itself in matters of country life.

During The Great War its weekly feature ‘Sportsman’s Roll of Honour’ reported on sportsmen who lost their lives during the war. As it also reflected countryside interests, during the Second World War it featured promotions of the Woman’s Land Army.

For this newspaper, we have the following titles in, or planned for, our digital archive:

  • 1874–1943 Illustrated Sporting and Dramatic News.
  • 1944–57 Sport & Country.
  • 1958–70 Farm & Country.

This newspaper is published by Illustrated London News Group in London, London, England. It was digitised and first made available on the British Newspaper Archive in Dec 2, 2016 . The latest issues were added in Dec 10, 2024 15 days ago.

  • Earliest issue: February 28, 1874
  • Latest issue: December 1, 1970

Restriction

The title is not available on British Library and library premises