The British Newspaper Archive (BNA) is undoubtedly becoming a rich source of fodder for news hounds, but as with so many things genealogical online these days, there's a cost involved that soon mounts up. What is not so well publicised is that 70 of the newpapers available on the BNA are also available via the British Library's 19th Century Newspaper Collection.
This collection is usually licenced to educational institutions and made available to students for free. However, your local county library service may also have purchased a licence and provide free remote access via your library card - I know both Surrey and Hampshire do. Granted the search screens may not be the most intuitive but with a little perserverance (or personal coaching of course!) you can soon find yourself literally leafing through the pages of your family history as aspects of their lives were played out in their local newspaper. Get yourself a cup of tea, sit down and enjoy a good read!