The Times Digital Archive, covering two hundred years from 1785 to 1985, is currently available free as a National Library Week trial (along with various other resources.)
I’ve played about a bit with it and have already dug up plenty of references – particularly marriage notices – for people in my family tree. I’m sure it would be equally useful for reports of politics and national events. If you’re tempted to try it out, go sooner rather than later: the free trial ends on Saturday.
I used it & loved it. I found many references of historic significance conerning the development of rugby league, including the split from the rugby union, development in Italy, South Africa and France. I’m not trying to figure out how i can get access to this fantastic resource at more regular times.