London landmark

Readers may have spotted The Courier’s appearance in a recent episode of the BBC blockbuster ‘Press’, when embattled tabloid editor Duncan Allen, played by Ben Chaplain, paused in front of DC Thomson’s London Office at 185 Fleet Street.

DC Thomson company historian Norman Watson says the firm has enjoyed a long and happy presence in Fleet Street, the spiritual home of British journalism, where it is proudly the last major publisher.

“The tall, brick building was purchased by John Leng & Co for £5,850 in 1881 before coming under the control of DC Thomson following the merger of the two Dundee publishing dynasties at the turn of the century,” he explains.

“Over its long history ‘185’ became familiar to generations of DC Thomson journalists and associated staff on a string of successful newspapers, magazines and children’s titles.

“Today the building is a landmark in Fleet Street thanks to the names of Dundee Courier, Dundee Advertiser, Sunday Post, Dundee Evening Telegraph, People’s Journal and People’s Friend in red mosaic on large white brick panels facing the street.

“The panels were created in 1913 during a major refurbishment. The building was formally reopened in 1914 by the Dundee MP Winston Churchill.

“Nowadays, droves of bewildered tourists reach into guide books to try to find out why such a prominent London landmark is called ‘The Courier’!”