Mathews Bristol & Clifton Directory 1863

The Mathews Bristol & Clifton Directory 1863

The year is 1863. The American Civil War rages across the Atlantic, and in Bristol, the final towers of the magnificent Clifton Suspension Bridge are reaching towards the sky, poised to open the following year. This is a city on the cusp of modernity—a bustling port of industry, trade, and innovation, alongside the elegant, refined society of Clifton.

Now, you can hold a piece of that history in your hands. The Mathews Bristol & Clifton Directory 1863 is more than just a book; it is a time capsule. It is an indispensable key that unlocks the world of your Victorian ancestors and the very fabric of the city they called home.

A Treasure Trove of Information Awaits:

This meticulously compiled directory provides a fascinating and detailed snapshot of mid-19th-century life. Inside, you will discover:

A Comprehensive Street Directory: Navigate the cobbled streets of Bristol and the grand avenues of Clifton, house by house. Discover the names and occupations of the residents, from the wealthy merchant in his Clifton villa to the dockworker in his harbourside terrace.
A Complete Commercial Directory: Explore the economic heart of the city. Find every type of trade and profession, from anchor smiths and apothecaries to tea dealers and tobacconists. See the businesses that powered the city and trace the professional lives of your ancestors.
A Court & Private Residents Directory: A listing of the gentry, professionals, and prominent citizens of Bristol and Clifton, providing an invaluable resource for researching the influential figures of the day.
Local & Civic Information: Find listings for banks, insurance offices, schools, places of worship, and public officials, giving you a complete picture of the city's infrastructure and governance.
Authentic Victorian Advertisements: Delve into the captivating advertisements of the era, promoting everything from patent medicines and the latest fashions to steamship routes and new inventions. These ads are a primary source in themselves, revealing the tastes, aspirations, and language of the time.
Who Is This For?

Genealogists: Trace your Bristol and Clifton families, pinpoint where they lived, and uncover their occupations.
House Historians: Uncover the past residents of your property and build a story of its life through the 19th century.
Local & Social Historians: Gain unparalleled insight into the social structure, commerce, and daily life of a major Victorian city.
Collectors & Enthusiasts: Own a beautiful and authentic piece of Bristol's heritage.
Whether you are researching your family tree, the history of your house, or are simply captivated by Victorian England, the Mathews Directory is your essential guide. Add this remarkable window into the past to your collection and walk the streets of 1863 Bristol today