Kelly's Directory Of Sussex 1899

Kelly's Directory of Sussex 1899 - Your Gateway to a Lost World

Imagine the clatter of horse-drawn carriages on the cobbled streets of Brighton, the quiet hum of a village blacksmith's forge in the South Downs, and the names etched on your family tree suddenly having addresses, occupations, and a community. The Kelly's Directory of Sussex 1899 is not just a book; it's a time capsule. This meticulously detailed volume offers an unparalleled snapshot of life in Sussex at the very end of the Victorian era, providing a rich and tangible link to the world your ancestors knew.

What's Inside?
This comprehensive directory is a treasure trove for any researcher, containing thousands of names and entries that bring the county to life. You will discover:

Court Directory: A list of the county's gentry, clergy, nobility, and public officials, providing insight into the ruling class of the day.
Commercial & Trades Directory: The heart of the directory. Find every shop, business, and tradesperson, from the baker in Bognor to the solicitor in Steyning. Discover what industries thrived and who your ancestors bought their goods from.
Private Residents Directory: A listing of private householders in principal towns, a crucial resource for locating family homes.
Street Directory: For major towns like Brighton and Chichester, a street-by-street guide listing the head of each household and their profession.
Essential Local Information: Details on post offices, carriage and coach services, local institutions, and public officials, painting a complete picture of daily life and infrastructure.
Who is this for?

Family Historians: Break down brick walls in your research by finding where your ancestors lived and worked between census years.
Local Historians: Reconstruct the high street of your town, understand its social structure, and uncover forgotten local businesses and landmarks.
House Historians: Trace the residents of your property back over 120 years.
Writers & Researchers: Add authentic, verifiable detail to novels, articles, or academic studies set in the Victorian/Edwardian period.
Why this Directory is Invaluable:
More than just a list of names, the Kelly's Directory of Sussex 1899 provides context. It allows you to walk the streets of 1899 Sussex, understand the community's fabric, and breathe life into the statistics of the census. It's a primary source that puts you directly in touch with the past.