Kent Messenger's Directory Of Maidstone & Neighbourhood 1904

Kent Messenger's Directory Of Maidstone & Neighbourhood 1904: A Window into Edwardian Life

Journey back in time to the bustling streets of Edwardian Maidstone.

Imagine the clatter of horse-drawn carts on the cobbles, the cry of the town crier, and the sight of new motor cars sharing the road with bicycles. The year is 1904. King Edward VII is on the throne, and Maidstone, the heart of the "Garden of England," is thriving. Who were your family in this vibrant, pivotal moment in history?

The Kent Messenger's Directory Of Maidstone & Neighbourhood 1904 is more than just a list of names; it's a time capsule. This meticulously reproduced digital directory offers an unparalleled glimpse into the daily lives, businesses, and social fabric of the community your ancestors knew.

What Treasures Await You Inside?

This comprehensive directory is packed with information crucial for any family historian or local researcher:

Private Residents Directory: An alphabetical list of householders, revealing their names and precise street addresses. Find your great-grandparents and see who their neighbours were!
Commercial & Trades Directory: Discover what your ancestors did for a living. Search by profession—from bakers and blacksmiths to solicitors and seed merchants—and locate their places of business.
Official & Municipal Information: A complete listing of local officials, council members, magistrates, police, and medical officers, placing your family within the structure of the town.
Local Institutions: Details on churches, schools, charities, and hospitals, offering clues to vital records and community involvement.
Transport & Communication: Find railway timetables and listings of local carriers, understanding how your ancestors travelled and connected with the wider world.
Village & Town Histories: The "Neighbourhood" section provides fascinating descriptions and key residents for surrounding villages, helping you trace families who moved just outside the town centre.
Authentic Advertisements: Explore period ads for local businesses, products, and services. These are a colourful and often surprising insight into the fashions, medicines, and priorities of the day.
Who Is This Directory For?

Genealogists: Trace your Kentish ancestors, confirm details from the 1901 census, and fill the gap before 1911. Break through research brick walls by pinpointing exact locations and occupations.
Local Historians: Build a detailed picture of Edwardian Maidstone—its economy, its governance, and its social hierarchy.
House Historians: Discover the previous occupants of a property and learn about its history over a century ago.
Anyone with a love for Kent's rich heritage.