Kelly's Directory Of Bradford & Neighbourhood 1881

Kelly's Directory of Bradford & Neighbourhood (1881) - A Victorian Time Capsule

Unlock the world of your Victorian ancestors with this remarkable piece of history: Kelly's Directory of Bradford & Neighbourhood for the year 1881. More than just a book of names, this is a time capsule, capturing the bustling, wool-rich city of Bradford at the very peak of its industrial power. Walk the cobbled streets in your mind and hear the clatter of the mills as you explore its pages.

This indispensable volume is your key to unlocking the stories of the past. It is the perfect companion to the 1881 census, adding rich detail and context to the raw data.

What treasures will you discover inside?

The Street Directory: A complete, street-by-street guide to Bradford and its surrounding villages. Find the exact address of your great-grandparents, see who their neighbours were, and trace the development of the city's roads.
The Commercial & Trade Directory: The lifeblood of Victorian Bradford. Discover the thousands of businesses that powered the city, from worsted spinners and wool staplers to drapers, bakers, and engineers. A fantastic resource for understanding the local economy.
The Court (Private Residents) Directory: A listing of the prominent citizens, professionals, and gentry of the area. Find the doctors, solicitors, clergy, and wealthy merchants who shaped Bradford's society.
Official Information: A complete guide to the civic machinery of the town, including lists of council members, magistrates, and officials of public institutions like hospitals, workhouses, and schools.
Vivid Victorian Advertisements: Browse the original advertisements for local businesses, offering a unique and often charming insight into the products, services, and language of the day.
Who is this directory for?

The Genealogist: Cross-reference with the 1881 census to build a vivid picture of your ancestors' lives, occupations, and communities.
The Local Historian: Research the history of your house, street, or local area and understand the social and commercial fabric of Victorian Bradford.
The Social Historian: Gain unparalleled insight into urban life, class structures, and commerce in late 19th-century England.