William IV was on the throne, Earl Grey, a Whig, was Prime Minister and parliament passed the Slavery Abolition Act. The year was 1833 and the forerunner to The Mecury was born. Today, 175 years later, the company is independently owned and continues to publish weekly newspapers, supplements and magazines and runs its own web sites.

The Mercury at the heart of the community since 1833 continues to keep readers across South-east London informed and entertained by top quality coverage. The paper is proud of its campaigning tradition putting South-east Londoners at the top of the agenda. Our reporters cover the boroughs of Lewisham, Greenwich and Bexley, keeping their fingers on the pulse to keep you in-the-know about the most interesting people, places, issues, sport and arts every Wednesday

Our Mercury editions also give advertisers a chance to reach thousands of homes a week and now our new website puts those advertisers at the fingertips of millions more web users.

We also produce the twice-weekly South London Press and a series of weekly free newspapers that take news, features and advertising directly into the homes of thousands of Londoners. In addition a range of glossy magazines including ‘Time for Me’ and ‘Don't Pull Your Hair Out’, that are packed full of great features and eye-catching advertising are published.

Week after week we run superb reader offers, offering good value holidays and bargain breaks and these are also available on our website by clicking on ‘Holidays’.

Our newspapers conform to the newspaper industry's voluntary Code of Practice, administered by the Press Complaints Commission.

If you feel we have made an error in a report or have fallen below our usual high standards, please write in the first instance to: Hannah Walker, Editor, South London Press, 2/4 Leigham Court Road, Streatham, London, SW16 2PD. Tel: 0208 710 6506. Email: hannahwalker@slp.co.uk

If you are dissatisfied, the PCC code of practice, along with details of how to complain, is available from Halton House, 20/23 High Holborn, London EC1N 2JD. Website www.pcc.org.uk or email complaints@pcc.org.uk Telephone: 020 7831 0022. Helpline: 0845 600 2757.