The Centenary of the Daily Telegraph Crossword
On July 30, 1925, the Daily Telegraph published its first crossword. As we celebrate the centenary of the puzzle, we hope solvers will enjoy taking part in the different activities planned to mark the occasion.
Starting on Monday July 28, we will be opening up our crossword archives and republishing one “vintage” puzzle per day for 30 days on the Puzzles app and website. The first six of these puzzles – which all have historical significance – will also be republished in print, accompanied by feature articles discussing the remarkably colourful history of the crossword, and explaining cryptic clue techniques for anyone keen to learn how they work. Solvers will be able to comment on these historical puzzles on the Telegraph Puzzles website and app – so let us know how you found attempting crosswords which date from the 1920s to the 2020s.
Some of our cryptic crosswords will mark this historic moment in different ways – and there will be a very special Prize Crossword on August 2 which solvers won’t want to miss, including a unique and appropriate prize. The centenary theme will also be reflected in other Telegraph puzzles such as the Mini, Quick, Panagram, and Sorted.
For new solvers, there will be an interactive guide on solving cryptic crosswords published on the day of the centenary itself: July 30. On the same day, drop in to Waterloo Station if you happen to be near it for an immersive Telegraph Puzzles event. There will even be a Matt cartoon.
We hope you’ll join us in wishing the Telegraph crossword a very happy 100th birthday
The Telegraph Puzzles Team
I’m glad that this milestone will be celebrated and look forward to trying to solve the vintage crosswords.
Thank you to all who continue Big Dave’s legacy. We (?12,000) are, indeed, fortunate to be able to enjoy each day, not to mention learn.
I have been getting excited about this for some time, and it looks like it will be fun. I have been beaten to the punch on leave during the school hols so won’t be able to go to Waterloo. I hope to see a “report” eventually.
This is going to be immense fun! I bet The Mythical will remain unobtainable though. ????????
It’s going to be a historic moment for crossword enthusiasts across the globe and each of us is sure to enjoy it in one way or another, regardless of where we are.
I cannot imagine life without the DT guzzle! It has been with me from early in my life,, watching my mother do it. We solvers owe so much to the Setters, I never say I don’t like a crossword, it seems rude to me. Very occasionally not quite my cup of tea but the setters have to keep everyone happy and of course, discovering the Big Dave family was a bonus. I still miss Robert, Carolyn in her Geodosic home, Merusa not to mention the Big Man himself. I don’t even like it with Terence away on such a long holiday!! Steve, this might just be your moment for the mythical………
Not a chance, Daisygirl. After all, it is a myth. ????
How very exciting for us all !
Do we get to work at Bletchley Park if we perform well in the crossword puzzles!
Great timing and location. I’ve got tickets for the Old Vic that evening with a Restaurant booking before, at my favourite Chinese. Do the organisers have some timings in mind for the immersive event?
I look forward to Monday’s initial vintagepuzzle. Will it be hinted? Will the Setters be identified?
Will the print edition be on sale somewhere?
I’m sure Matt has drawn several contenders, and can’t wait to see what the editor picks. Something with 30992.. Or something crypto-topical. It will be brilliant as usual.