First published in 1821, the Guardian is a national newspaper with a rich and colourful history. The Manchester Guardian was highly influential during the great reform movements of the nineteenth century and today the Guardian continues to offer an independent and crucial forum for debate in this country. Its unique ownership has provided a level of continuity that no other national daily newspaper can equal.

From the Boer War to the War in Iraq, the Anti-Corn Law League to globalisation, the Guardian has been at the forefront of independent and thought-provoking journalism for over 180 years.

The Guardian relaunches in Berliner format – midway in size between a broadsheet and a tabloid.

The digital edition of the Guardian was launched.

The Guardian Unlimited network of websites launched. The Guardian became the first national newspaper to offer a cross-media advertising platform.

Alan Rusbridger, the current editor, was appointed – only the eighth editor in 130 years.

The Guardian had a radical redesign, splitting the newspaper into two sections and introducing a new masthead. An international edition was launched in Europe.

The title was changed from the Manchester Guardian to the Guardian to reflect the national and international coverage for which the paper had become known. In 1961 printing began in London in addition to Manchester. The nickname of “the Grauniad” was instigated following initial problems with duplicate type settings.

News was printed on the front-page for the first time instead of advertisements.

JR Scott, CP Scott’s son, formed the Scott Trust. The Trust now ensures that the Guardian is run as a completely independent newspaper.

CP Scott joined the paper and became editor in 1872 at the age of 26. He held the post for 57 years and made the paper world famous. In 1907 he bought the paper from the son of the founder, determined to run it as a truly independent newspaper and not for private gain.

John Edward Taylor founded the Manchester Guardian as a weekly newspaper in the liberal interest. The paper first appeared on Saturday May 5 1821, priced 7d. Circulation hit 1,000 in the first year.