Mathiesons Directory Of Cambridge Ely Newmarket 1866

Mathieson’s Directory of Cambridge, Ely & Newmarket 1866 - Digital Download & CD Edition

Product Description:

Step back into the heart of Victorian East Anglia with this fascinating republishing of Mathieson’s Directory of Cambridge, Ely, and Newmarket 1866. This essential genealogy resource offers a unique snapshot of life in the mid-19th century, perfect for family historians, local researchers, and anyone interested in the social history of Cambridgeshire.

Whether you choose the Digital Download (instant access) or the CD (physical backup), you will receive a complete, high-quality reproduction of this rare historical volume.

Navigating the Past

Please note that this directory consists of scanned images of the original pages, preserving the authentic look and feel of the 1866 text. While the file is not manually indexed, the directory is structured alphabetically by surname and trade, making navigation surprisingly intuitive and easy.

Pro Tip: Thanks to advancements in technology, modern PDF readers (such as Adobe Acrobat or browser-based viewers) now perform OCR (Optical Character Recognition) on the fly. This means that when you open the file, your computer will often index the text, allowing you to use the "Find" (Ctrl+F) function to search for surnames, street names, or specific keywords within the images.

Bridging the Census Gap

The 1866 directory serves as a vital tool for bridging the "Census Gap." Located exactly halfway between the 1861 and 1871 England & Wales censuses, this resource allows you to:

• Confirm if your ancestors were still in the area between census years.
• Track changes in occupation or address.
• Identify family members who may have moved or passed away before the 1871 census was taken.

What's Inside the Directory?

Mathieson’s Directory provides comprehensive coverage of the three major towns and their surrounding villages. The directory is divided into clear sections:

• Cambridge: Detailed listings for the University staff, colleges, and public officials, alongside private residents and commercial traders.
• Ely: Focus on the Cathedral precincts, local government, and the tradespeople supporting this market town.
• Newmarket: A special focus on the racing industry, listing stable owners, trainers, and jockeys, alongside general town listings.
• Villages: A Court Directory and alphabetical listing for the surrounding hamlets and villages (such as Linton, Histon, and Soham).
• Classified Trades Section: Find ancestors by their profession, from bakers and blacksmiths to lawyers and innkeepers.

Local History, Famous People & Interesting Facts

This directory captures a time of immense growth and tradition in the region.

• Cambridge: In 1866, the University was the heartbeat of the town. You may find listings for notable academics of the era. The town was also a hub for printing and the emerging railway industry, which connected the city to London.
• Newmarket: Known globally as the "Home of Horse Racing." The directory is filled with names associated with the "Sport of Kings," including legendary trainers and stable hands working for the aristocracy.
• Ely: Dominated by the magnificent Cathedral, Ely was an agricultural center heavily reliant on the surrounding Fens.
• Famous Residents: While this was a year of academic rigor in Cambridge, it is an excellent resource to trace the residences of dons and Fellows who influenced the intellectual world, as well as the local gentry residing in the country estates surrounding Ely and Newmarket.

Important Disclaimer

Please be aware that, as with many historical directories of this age, the original source material may have had pages missing or damaged before scanning began. Consequently, some maps (including the fold-out town plans) may be missing or incomplete in this edition.

Format: PDF (Scanned Images) Compatibility: Works on PC, Mac, Tablets, and Phones. Delivery:

• Digital Download: Link sent via email immediately after purchase.
• CD: Physical disc shipped via standard mail.