Kelly's Directory Of London Southern Suburbs 1896

Kelly's Directory of London Southern Suburbs, 1896

The year is 1896. Queen Victoria reigns, horse-drawn hansom cabs clatter along cobbled streets, and the gaslights of London’s southern suburbs begin to flicker to life. Now, you can hold a captivating snapshot of this bygone era in your hands.

Kelly's Directory is more than just a book; it's a time machine. An indispensable Victorian guide, it offers a meticulously detailed street-by-street, door-by-door portrait of life as it was over 125 years ago. This is not a dry list of names, but a vibrant tapestry of the people, places, and businesses that shaped the community.

Inside this fascinating volume, you will discover:

Residential Street Directories: Find out who lived at your address, from the grand villas to the modest terraces. Discover the names of the head of household and their occupations.
Commercial & Trade Listings: Explore a complete classified directory of local tradesmen and businesses. Find the butcher, the baker, the blacksmith, and the bank manager who served the community.
Court & Official Directories: A comprehensive list of local gentry, clergy, doctors, solicitors, and public officials, providing a unique insight into the area's social structure.
Local Information: Details on post offices, churches, schools, conveyance services (omnibuses and trains!), and local council officials.
Authentic Victorian Advertisements: A treasure trove of period advertisements promoting everything from patent medicines to the latest fashions, offering a colourful glimpse into the consumer culture of the day.
Who is this for?

The Genealogist: Trace your ancestors, pinpoint their homes, and understand their daily lives and professions.
The Local Historian: Uncover the history of your street, your favourite pub, or a long-forgotten local landmark.
The House Detective: Research the history of your own home and its former occupants.
The Writer & Researcher: Add authentic, rich detail to your novels, articles, or academic work.
Whether you are a seasoned researcher or simply curious about the world your ancestors inhabited, this meticulously reproduced directory is an essential key to unlocking the secrets of Victorian London.