Town and Country Magazine
Encyclopedia
Town and Country Magazine was an 18th century London based publication that featured tales of scandals and affairs between members of London's upper classes.
and one in a rural area near Highgate
. In the 1770s there was a dramatic increase in suits brought by men and their wives' lovers in England. Many people became eager to read transcripts of Adultery trials, seeing them as a form of soft-core pornography. Town and Country Magazine capitalised on the public's interest by running stories on the topic. The initial issues often made political points, but this focus was lost over time. By 1771 Town and Country Magazine claimed monthly sales of 12,000 copies, although some scholars argue that the actual number was significantly fewer. Prominent contributors included Thomas Chatterton
and Thomas Holcroft
. Town and Country Magazine was published until 1796 when it folded.
It has been credited with inspiring later papers, including The Satirist
. The opening scene of the original production of The School for Scandal
mentions Town and Country Magazine, which was the only publication mentioned by name in the play.
s and their kept women
". Town and Country Magazine featured what were known as Tête-à-Tête articles that detailed illicit meetings between members of society. The articles always featured oval miniature portraits of the subjects of the articles. While portions of the names of the involved parties were often partially redacted, it frequently was easy for readers to deduce their identities. Some of the stories that were published were fictional, but most were inspired by actual events.
History
Town and Country Magazine was founded by Alexander Hamilton in 1769. It gained the name "Town and Country" because Hamilton had two offices, one in urban ClerkenwellClerkenwell
Clerkenwell is an area of central London in the London Borough of Islington. From 1900 to 1965 it was part of the Metropolitan Borough of Finsbury. The well after which it was named was rediscovered in 1924. The watchmaking and watch repairing trades were once of great importance...
and one in a rural area near Highgate
Highgate
Highgate is an area of North London on the north-eastern corner of Hampstead Heath.Highgate is one of the most expensive London suburbs in which to live. It has an active conservation body, the Highgate Society, to protect its character....
. In the 1770s there was a dramatic increase in suits brought by men and their wives' lovers in England. Many people became eager to read transcripts of Adultery trials, seeing them as a form of soft-core pornography. Town and Country Magazine capitalised on the public's interest by running stories on the topic. The initial issues often made political points, but this focus was lost over time. By 1771 Town and Country Magazine claimed monthly sales of 12,000 copies, although some scholars argue that the actual number was significantly fewer. Prominent contributors included Thomas Chatterton
Thomas Chatterton
Thomas Chatterton was an English poet and forger of pseudo-medieval poetry. He died of arsenic poisoning, either from a suicide attempt or self-medication for a venereal disease.-Childhood:...
and Thomas Holcroft
Thomas Holcroft
Thomas Holcroft was an English dramatist and miscellaneous writer.-Early life:He was born in Orange Court, Leicester Fields, London. His father had a shoemaker's shop, and kept riding horses for hire; but having fallen into difficulties was reduced to the status of hawking peddler...
. Town and Country Magazine was published until 1796 when it folded.
It has been credited with inspiring later papers, including The Satirist
The Satirist
The Satirist, or the Censor of the Times was a controversial 19th century British newspaper which featured reports of scandals involving well known residents of London. It was published by Barnard Gregory, who faced multiple libel charges and was later imprisoned due to its articles...
. The opening scene of the original production of The School for Scandal
The School for Scandal
The School for Scandal is a play written by Richard Brinsley Sheridan. It was first performed in London at Drury Lane Theatre on May 8, 1777.The prologue, written by David Garrick, commends the play, its subject, and its author to the audience...
mentions Town and Country Magazine, which was the only publication mentioned by name in the play.
Content
Town and Country Magazine was more upscale than many of its competitors, who focused on prostitutes and brothels. It printed stories about members of many different professions, although the most common subjects were "aristocratic rakeRake (character)
A rake, short for rakehell, is a historic term applied to a man who is habituated to immoral conduct, frequently a heartless womanizer. Often a rake was a man who wasted his fortune on gambling, wine, women and song, incurring lavish debts in the process...
s and their kept women
Mistress (lover)
A mistress is a long-term female lover and companion who is not married to her partner; the term is used especially when her partner is married. The relationship generally is stable and at least semi-permanent; however, the couple does not live together openly. Also the relationship is usually,...
". Town and Country Magazine featured what were known as Tête-à-Tête articles that detailed illicit meetings between members of society. The articles always featured oval miniature portraits of the subjects of the articles. While portions of the names of the involved parties were often partially redacted, it frequently was easy for readers to deduce their identities. Some of the stories that were published were fictional, but most were inspired by actual events.