Punch & Judy History > Punch magazine

Punch magazine was first published in July 1841 as a mixture of radical politics and humour. It became a national institution for over a hundred years before entering a period of decline which ultimately led to its closure in June 2002. The name Punch was chosen by the founding editorial team in part because the irreverent street Punch and Judy Show was enjoying enormous popularity at the time, although as the century progressed the Mr. Punch shown in the magazine took on more of the character of John Bull and voiced the opinions of the British Empire. Punch magazine became world famous and did much to make the name and likeness of Mr. Punch known in all continents. In latter years the magazine had scant interest in - or regard for - the still popular Punch and Judy Show whose star character had been used as their public face. Punch Profs always knew in their hearts that the puppet would outlast the magazine - and so it proved.