Kelly's Directory Of Berkshire 1887

Kelly's Directory of Berkshire 1887 - Digital Download or CD-ROM

Product Description:

Step back into the Victorian era with this complete republication of Kelly's Directory of Berkshire 1887. An essential resource for genealogists, local historians, and anyone researching the history of the Royal County, this directory offers a fascinating snapshot of life in Berkshire during the height of Queen Victoria’s reign.

Whether your ancestors were wealthy landowners, tradesmen in bustling Reading, or farmers in the rural villages, this directory places them in the context of their community.

Format & Navigation

This product is available as a high-quality Digital Download or on a CD-ROM.

The directory consists of high-resolution scanned images of the original pages. Please note that the text is not natively embedded or searchable in the traditional sense. However, the directory is compiled alphabetically by town and by surname, making manual navigation surprisingly intuitive and easy.

Tech Tip: Most modern PDF readers (such as Adobe Acrobat or browser-based viewers) now feature "OCR on the fly." This means you can often use the "Find" (Ctrl+F) function to search for surnames or street names, even within these scanned image files, depending on the clarity of the original print.

Contents of the Directory

This comprehensive volume is divided into several useful sections to aid your research:

1. County Information: A detailed history and topography of Berkshire, including lists of the Magistrates, the Deanery, and the Royal Household.
2. Court Directory (The Private Residents): An alphabetical list of the gentry, clergy, and prominent citizens (heads of households) living in private residences.
3. Town & Parish Directories: Street-by-street and alphabetical listings of private residents and tradespeople for every major town and village, including:
   • Abingdon
   • Bracknell
   • Faringdon
   • Maidenhead
   • Newbury
   • Reading
   • Windsor
   • Wokingham
   • And dozens of smaller hamlets and villages.
4. Trades Directory: A professional classified section. If your ancestor was a Baker, a Blacksmith, or a Bootmaker, you will find them listed here under their trade, allowing you to see their business competition and local economy.
5. Advertisements: A wonderful collection of contemporary Victorian adverts, promoting everything from "Patent Medicines" to local inns and seed merchants.

Bridging the Census Gaps

This directory is an invaluable tool for filling the gap between the 1881 and 1891 Censuses. By 1887, families may have moved, children may have left home, or elderly relatives may have passed away. This directory allows you to confirm:

• If a family was still resident at a specific address.
• The occupation of the head of the house (which may have changed since the last census).
• The exact spelling of a surname used in local records.

Berkshire in 1887: Famous Faces & Facts

The year 1887 was Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee, and Berkshire was a county of contrasts, ranging from the royal splendor of Windsor to the industrial might of Reading.

• Industry: Reading was rapidly becoming known as the "Three B's Town" (Biscuits, Bulbs, and Breweries). Huntley & Palmers was the largest biscuit factory in the world, and Sutton’s Seeds was a major employer. If your ancestor worked in Reading, there is a high chance they were connected to these giants.
• Famous Residents:
  • The Royal Family: Naturally, Windsor Castle features prominently, detailing the extensive household staff, from the Lord Chamberlain down to the keepers of the wardrobe.
  • George Palmer (MP): The biscuit magnate and philanthropist, a major figure in Reading's development, was active in the county during this period.
  • Mary Russell Mitford: The famed writer (though she passed away in 1855, her legacy remained strong in the county). By 1887, the literary circle was being influenced by newer arrivals living in the Thames Valley.
• Sport: Reading Football Club, formed in 1871, was playing in the local area. While they turned professional slightly later (1895), the athletic culture was booming, and you will likely find listings for cricket clubs and athletic grounds in the trades section.
• Interesting Fact: In 1887, the River Thames was a vital transport highway. The directory includes extensive listings for boat builders, bargemasters, and wharfingers, highlighting the importance of river trade before the dominance of the railway.

Important Disclaimer regarding Maps

Please be aware that, like many historical directories of this age, the original publisher often issued maps as separate inserts. These were frequently removed or lost over the last 130+ years. We cannot guarantee that this specific copy includes the original fold-out county or town maps.