Spreading the news

[Brian Meldon]

Hi Sue
This may help, but probably not!
I can only relate what I have found out about Canewdon in Essex that is about 40 miles from London. George 2nd died on October 25th 1760 and the news had not reached Canewdon by 10th November because his birthday was celebrated as usual including the ringing of the bells on that day. However in 1794 the news of the great sea battle between the French and English fought on 1st  June that year only took 4 days or less to reach the village as the bells here were rung `for Lord Howe's victory' on the 4th June. 
Probably if there was some meaningful reason for any news to be received in a specific village then a rider would be sent out, but if not then the news would probably just be carried by traders moving about the countryside or on the waterways.
Brian Meldon