Perhaps the greatest tragedy in all English history began in 1642 when, for five years, families and friends were divided by violent struggle. Respect for the monarchy was as great then as it is today; but it was squandered by Charles I and Civil War ensued. Out of Cromwell's eventual victory came a period of absolute rule just as arbitrary. In communicating the affaires of Court, Mercurius Aulicus can claim to be Englands first regular newspaper, printed at Oxford and reprinted in London almost throughout the entire war.