Following our piece last week about a copy of the York Herald from 1860, reader Geoffrey Shearsmith has gone one better.

He brought into our offices two old newspapers - one a York Herald from January 3, 1852, and the other an even older copy of The York Chronicle and General Advertiser, from June 25, 1784.

So what was happening in North Yorkshire back then?

Well, Smythson and Ellin, Wholesale and Retail Tea and China Men, had opened a new warehouse in High Ousegate, according to the Chronicle, and had "laid in a capital assortment of the best Teas, Coffees etc from the last East India sales".

The people of Tockwith were being warned about trespassing. "Whereas several persons frequently pass through a place between Tockwith and Kirkhammerton called Tockwith-Ness, though there is no public road through the same... notice is hereby given that whosever shall presume to trespass upon the said ground... will be prosecuted," a notice admonished sternly.

The gentlemen of York were also able to read a chilling "Letter from Smyrna" (Izmir in modern-day Turkey). Dated April 17, it informed them: "The plague makes horrible and rapid progress here. The greatest part of the wealthy inhabitants have already quitted this City..." By contrast, sober classified advertisements were the dominant feature of the York Herald of 1852.

"Stockton Hermitage, near York: To be Let, the above desirable residence..." read one. "Holliday's peerless self-generating gas lamps, for tables, chandeliers etc..." boasted another.

And a third: "Education: Fulford Field House, York. Mrs Howarth will have a few Vacancies after the recess, and will be happy to forward References and full Particulars to parents."

Mr Shearsmith, a retired businessman who admits to being an enthusiastic collector of old postcards as well as old newspapers, brought in two which tie in nicely with this advert. They show some of the young ladies of Fulford Field House School, and the school building itself.

Exactly what date the postcards are, he's not sure: although the dresses perhaps look Edwardian.

He is also mystified as to what the boy dressed in black in our final photograph is doing. It is definitely Parliament Street, Mr Shearsmith says. He thinks the photograph may have been taken during the Festival of Britain in 1951, and that, from his costume, the boy may have been demonstrating the old adage "The pot calling the kettle black".

He would love to know more, however, as would we. So if you can help, write to: Stephen Lewis, Yesterday Once More, The Press, 76-86 Walmgate, York YO1 9YN.