Feature Stop Press It is often claimed that press censorship came to an end in England at the close of the 17th century. But it persisted, thanks to an unsavoury network of government spies. Joseph Hone | Published in History Today Volume 71 Issue 7 July 2021 To continue reading this article you need to purchase a subscription, available from only £5. Start my trial subscription now If you have already purchased access, or are a print & archive subscriber, please ensure you are logged in. Please email digital@historytoday.com if you have any problems. EnglandLiteraturePoliticalEspionage Related Articles Female Spies in the Irish War of Independence On Her Most Serene Republic’s Secret Service Popular articles Christmas Before Charles Dickens The First Christmas Tree