Kelly's Directory Of Dorsetshire 1895

Kelly's Directory of Dorsetshire 1895

Step back in time to the twilight of Queen Victoria's reign. Imagine a Dorset of rolling green hills, bustling market towns, and rugged coastlines, where life is dictated by the seasons, the local squire, and the rhythm of horse-drawn traffic. Now, you can hold a detailed snapshot of this bygone era in your hands.

Kelly's Directory of Dorsetshire 1895 is more than just a book; it is a time machine, a key to unlocking the world your ancestors knew. This indispensable volume is a treasure trove of information for anyone researching their family tree, tracing the history of their house, or exploring the rich social fabric of Victorian England.

What's Inside? A Complete Portrait of 1895 Dorset:

This meticulously compiled directory provides a fascinating and comprehensive overview of the entire county. Within its pages, you will discover:

Court Directory (Private Residents): An alphabetical list of the county's gentry, clergy, farmers, tradesmen, and other private residents, along with their addresses. This is the starting point for locating individuals and families.
Commercial & Trade Directory: The definitive guide to Dorset's businesses. Find out who was the blacksmith, the grocer, the draper, or the solicitor in any given town or village. A perfect resource for understanding the local economy.
Parish by Parish Information: Detailed descriptions of every parish, including its population, local landmarks, agricultural details, and principal landowners.
Local Officials & Institutions: A full listing of public officials, from county magistrates and Poor Law Guardians to parish clerks and schoolmasters.
Transport & Communication: Essential information on postal services, carriers and coach routes, and the emerging railway stations that were connecting Dorset to the rest of the nation.
Detailed Maps: Often includes beautiful, fold-out county and town maps, allowing you to navigate the Dorset of 1895 just as they did.
Who Is This For?

For the Genealogist: Go beyond names and dates. Discover your ancestor's occupation, find their exact address, and see who their neighbours were. Build a vivid picture of their daily lives.
For the Local Historian: Reconstruct the social and economic landscape of your community. Understand the trades that thrived, the prominent families who held influence, and how a village functioned over 125 years ago.
For the House Historian: Trace the history of your home by uncovering its past inhabitants and their professions.
For Writers & Researchers: Ensure historical accuracy with authentic details, from the names of local pubs to the routes of the daily mail coach