Kelly's Directory Of Stratford West Ham Leyton Leytonstone Forest Gate Walthamstow & Plaistow 1886

Step Back in Time to Victorian East London with Kelly's 1886 Directory

Unlock the Stories of Your Ancestors in Stratford, West Ham, Leyton Leytonstone Forest Gate Walthamstow & Plaistow

Imagine the year is 1886. Queen Victoria is on the throne, and the air in East London is thick with the promise and industry of a rapidly changing world. Now, you can walk the streets of Victorian Stratford, West Ham, Leyton, and Leytonstone alongside your ancestors.

This meticulously reproduced copy of Kelly's Directory of 1886 is more than just a book of names; it's a time machine. It’s your key to unlocking the world your family knew—a world of horse-drawn trams, bustling market stalls, and tight-knit community streets.

What Treasures Await You Inside?

Walk the Streets of the Past: Navigate the cobblestone roads with our comprehensive street directory. Find the exact house where your great-grandparents lived and see the names of the families who lived next door.
Discover the Trades of a Generation: Explore the commercial directory and find the blacksmiths, the publicans, the grocers, and the dressmakers who formed the backbone of the local economy. Was your ancestor a master craftsman or a shop owner?
Meet the Prominent Residents: The Court Directory lists the private residents, often the more affluent members of society, giving you a glimpse into the local hierarchy and social structure.
Understand Their World: Gain invaluable context with information on local councils, churches, schools, postal services, and even cab fares! This is the rich detail that brings your family history to life.
Who Is This Directory For?

Genealogists: The perfect companion to census records, helping you fill in the gaps between 1881 and 1891.
Local Historians: A definitive guide to the social and commercial landscape of East London in the late Victorian era.
House History Researchers: Trace the history of your property and its former inhabitants.
Writers & Students: Add authentic detail and colour to stories or projects set in 19th-century London.