The first issue of The Ladies’ Mercury contains a letter sent in by a “young woman” who, having had an affair before her marriage, asks whether it was proper of her to feign her virginity on her wedding night. The magazine reassures her by arguing that the affair was over before she had any moral obligation to her present husband. Another, from “a man of Honour”, asks whether as he is unable to divorce his adulterous wife, it would be sinful for him to take a mistress”. [1]
The Ladies’ Mercury was a periodical first published in London on 27 February 1693 and is considered to be the first women’s magazine in the world.
Published on a single sheet printed on both sides, The Ladies’ Mercury is thought to have been published by John Dunton who, in 1690, had founded The Athenian Mercury. Dutton, who was known for his entrepreneurial spirit, never acknowledged his connection with The Ladies’ Mercury.
Adopting the form of an advice column, the magazine was aimed at women of all social classes and included a variety of topics such as fashion, literature, politics, and gossip. Each issue provided guidance on various aspects of life, such as marriage, child-rearing, and household management. One of the magazine’s unique features was its use of pseudonyms for its contributors allowing women to write freely and express their opinions without fear of social backlash. It promised to respond to “all the most nice and curious questions concerning love, marriage, behaviour, dress and humour of the female sex, whether virgins, wives, or widows.”
Despite its progressive content, The Ladies’ Mercury faced criticism from the conservative elements of society who believed that the magazine was too radical and that it encouraged women to be too independent and it was abandoned in March 1693 after just 4 issues.