ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the dissemination and control of information under Charles II. It looks at the main modes of dissemination: print, handwritten materials and word of mouth, although it is artificial to distinguish sharply between them. Parliamentary 'votes' also had a place in the newsletters produced in the secretaries offices. These had two great advantages: they were transmitted post free and used the information, domestic and foreign, gathered by the secretaries and so had a fuller factual basis than those of any private newswriter. Of all the means of news dissemination, word of mouth leaves the fewest traces in written records. Of all the means of news dissemination, word of mouth leaves the fewest traces in written records. It was, however, important in both the gathering and distribution of news. The means by which news was dispersed were too varied, the demand too great and the government's resources too limited for the flow of information to be stopped.
