Pike's Directory Blue Book Of Folkestone Hythe & Sandgate 1891-1892

Pike's Directory Blue Book Of Folkestone, Hythe & Sandgate 1891-1892 (Digital Download or CD)

Product Description

Step back into the late Victorian era with this fascinating republishing of Pike's Directory Blue Book Of Folkestone, Hythe & Sandgate 1891-1892. An essential resource for genealogists and local historians, this directory offers a snapshot of life on the Kent coast at the height of the seaside resort boom.

Whether your ancestors were shopkeepers, fishermen, or wealthy residents lodging on The Leas, this book provides the details you need to bring their story to life.

About This Edition

Please note that this product is a high-quality scan of the original book, provided as a PDF file. The text is not embedded, meaning the file is not instantly searchable in the traditional sense. However, don't worry—the directory is compiled alphabetically by surname and trade, making navigation incredibly intuitive and straightforward.

• Tech Tip: Most modern PDF readers (such as Adobe Acrobat) offer an "OCR on the Fly" feature, which allows you to search the text even in these scanned image files.

Historical Context & Census Gaps

This directory covers the census year of 1891. While the 1891 Census is a vital tool, no record is perfect. Pages were often damaged, illegible, or households were simply missed. This directory serves as the perfect "census substitute," allowing you to cross-reference names and addresses and fill in the gaps where the census may have failed you. It bridges the gap between the 1881 and 1901 censuses, showing where families moved and trades changed.

What's Inside?

This comprehensive Blue Book is divided into detailed sections to help you pinpoint exactly what you need:

• Street Directory: A house-by-house listing of the main roads in Folkestone, Hythe, and Sandgate. Perfect for tracing the history of a specific property.
• Commercial Directory: An alphabetical list of trades and professions. Find out who the local bakers, drapers, and shipbuilders were.
• Private Residents Directory: An alphabetical list of private households, often distinguishing between homeowners and tenants.
• Official & Municipal Information: Details of local councils, officials, churches, schools, and institutions.
• Courts & Postal Information: Times of mail deliveries, court sessions, and local banking hours.

Local History Highlights: 1891-1892

This was a time of great prosperity and change for the region. As you browse the pages, you will discover the context of your ancestors' lives:

• The Rise of the Resort: By 1891, Folkestone was one of the most fashionable seaside resorts in England. The directory is packed with hotels and lodging houses catering to the Victorian elite who came to "take the air."
• Industry & Trade: Beyond tourism, the area was a hub of activity. Folkestone was a bustling cross-channel port (before the "Chunnel" was even a dream!), and the directory lists the pilots, boatmen, and customs officials who kept the harbor moving.
• Military Presence: With the nearby Shorncliffe Camp, the area was heavily militarized. You will find listings for military agents, outfitters, and the families of soldiers stationed in the area.
• Famous Connections: This era records the residences of notable figures of the time.
  • Dr. William Harvey: Though he died centuries prior, Folkestone is the birthplace of the discoverer of the circulation of the blood, and his legacy is deeply woven into the town's civic pride during this period.
  • The "Father of Modern Medicine" isn't the only connection; the area was a magnet for artists and writers. You may find the addresses of lesser-known Victorian authors and musicians who resided in Sandgate for its "healthier air."
• Sports & Leisure: The late Victorians were obsessed with sport. The directory contains entries for cricket clubs, archery grounds, and the burgeoning football teams that would eventually evolve into Folkestone's sporting legacy.

Map Disclaimer

Please note: Due to the age of these original directories, fold-out maps were often removed or damaged by previous owners over the last 130 years. While we cannot guarantee the inclusion of the original map in every scan, if the map is present in the source book we scanned, it is included as a fantastic bonus! Please check the listing images or contact us if you need to verify map inclusion for a specific copy.

Product Format

• Format: High-Quality PDF (Scanned Images).
• Delivery: Available as a Digital Download (immediate access) or on a CD (shipped via post).
• Compatibility: Readable on any computer, tablet, or mobile device using a standard PDF reader.

Unlock the secrets of your Kentish ancestry today with Pike's Blue Book!