The first issue of The Observer, published…
June 1791 CE
Believing that the paper would be a means of wealth, Bourne instead soon finds himself facing debts of nearly £1,600.
Though early editions purport editorial independence, Bourne will attempt to cut his losses and sell the title to the government.
When this fails, Bourne's brother (a wealthy businessman) will make an offer to the government, which will refuse to buy the paper but will agree to subsidize it in return for influence over its editorial content.
As a result, the paper will soon take a strong line against radicals such as Thomas Paine, Francis Burdett and Joseph Priestley.
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