H is for History – a potted history of personal ads
Online dating may be a modern phenomenon, but advertising for love goes back centuries. The first classified ads were published within just a few years of the earliest newspapers. This example from the 18th century is typical of the early ‘lonely hearts’ advert:
Gentleman is desirous of altering his condition by marrying a young lady. I declare myself in earnest, and the real foundation of applying in this public Way is a Want of Acquaintance in London sufficient to introduce me in a private one.