Ward's Directory Of Durham & Northumberland 1850

Step Back in Time: Unlock the World of Your Durham & Northumberland Ancestors in 1850

More than a list of names, this is a key to the streets they walked, the shops they visited, and the community they called home.

Imagine the year is 1850. The air in Newcastle-upon-Tyne is thick with the promise of the Industrial Revolution. In Durham, the ancient cathedral towers over a city bustling with merchants and clerks. In the rural villages of Northumberland, life is dictated by the seasons and the rhythm of the local farm.

Now, imagine finding your family right in the heart of it.

Ward's Directory of Durham & Northumberland for 1850 is not just a book; it's a time machine. This meticulously detailed snapshot of mid-Victorian life is an indispensable resource for any family historian with roots in this vibrant region.

What secrets will you uncover inside?

Pinpoint Your Ancestors: Find thousands of named individuals, from prominent landowners and professionals to skilled tradesmen like blacksmiths, butchers, and drapers. Discover their exact address and occupation.

Reconstruct Their Neighbourhood: With detailed street directories for major towns like Newcastle, Sunderland, and Durham, you can see who lived next door to your ancestors and build a picture of their daily interactions.

Explore the Local Economy: The classified commercial directory lists every conceivable business, from breweries and shipyards to inns and ironmongers. Was your ancestor a publican? A coal agent? A dressmaker? Find them here.

Bridge the Census Gap: Published in a non-census year, this directory is the perfect tool to fill in the blanks between the 1841 and 1851 censuses, confirming a family's location or revealing a move.

Understand Their World: Gain invaluable context with information on local officials, carriage routes, postal services, and public institutions. This is the backdrop to your ancestors' lives.

Who is this for?

Family Historians tracing ancestors in County Durham or Northumberland.
Local History Enthusiasts researching the development of towns and villages.
Social Historians studying the commercial and social fabric of the North East in the Victorian era.
Anyone with a love for the rich heritage of North East England.

Don't just read about your ancestors' lives. Step into them. Add Ward's Directory 1850 to your research library today and watch your family tree blossom with colour and context.