Pike's Directory Blue Book Of Folkestone Hythe & Sandgate 1896-1897

Pike's Directory Blue Book of Folkestone, Hythe & Sandgate 1896-1897

Unlock the door to Victorian England and walk the gaslit streets of the Kent coast. This isn't just a book; it's a time capsule. For the genealogist, local historian, or anyone with a connection to this vibrant seaside community, Pike's Directory Blue Book for 1896-1897 is an indispensable key to unlocking the lives of your ancestors.

More than a simple list of names, this prestigious "Blue Book" offers a detailed, panoramic snapshot of life at the height of the late Victorian era. Discover the people, places, and enterprises that shaped Folkestone, Hythe, and Sandgate over 125 years ago.

What You'll Discover Inside:

Residential & Commercial Street Directories: Systematically trace your ancestors through the streets of Folkestone, Hythe, and Sandgate. Find their exact house number or business location, often with the name of the head of the household.

A Complete Court & Trade Directory: Find out what your ancestors did for a living. Search by trade or profession—from bakers, boatmen, and bricklayers to drapers, doctors, and dentists. This is a crucial clue for understanding their social standing and daily lives.

The "Private Residents" Section: The hallmark of a Blue Book, this elite list names the gentry, professionals, and prominent citizens of the area, providing a fascinating glimpse into the upper echelons of local society.

Official & Municipal Information: Gain context with a full listing of local officials, council members, magistrates, and public institutions. Learn who was running the town, from the Mayor to the Sanitary Inspector.

Fascinating Victorian Advertisements: Immerse yourself in the era's consumer culture. Marvel at the original advertisements for local businesses, patent medicines, fashionable clothing, and steamship crossings, bringing the texture of the 19th century to life.

Why This Directory is a Must-Have for Your Research:

Bridge the Census Gap: The 1896-1897 directory perfectly fills the ten-year gap between the 1891 and 1901 censuses, helping you track family movements, marriages, and changes in occupation.

Add Flesh to the Bones of Your Family Tree: Go beyond names and dates. Discover your ancestor's neighbourhood, their trade, and their community, transforming a dry list of names into a living, breathing story.

Identify Neighbours and Relatives: Find out who lived next door or on the same street. These neighbours could be in-
laws, cousins, or family friends, opening up new avenues for your research.

Map Your Ancestor's World: Reconstruct the local landscape. See the shops they visited, the pubs they drank in, the schools their children attended, and the churches where they worshipped.

Whether you are tracing a Folkestone fisherman, a Hythe shopkeeper, or a Sandgate gentleman, this directory is your direct link to their world. It's more than data; it's the story of your heritage, waiting to be told.

Don't let your ancestors remain names on a chart. Give them a street, a trade, and a community. Add this invaluable genealogical treasure to your collection today!