Kelly's Directory Of Leicestershire & Rutland 1881

Kelly's Directory of Leicestershire & Rutland 1881

Unlock the door to Victorian England. Journey back to the autumn of 1881 and walk the streets of bustling market towns and quiet country villages. This isn't just a book; it's a time capsule, a comprehensive snapshot of life in Leicestershire and Rutland at the height of the 19th century.

For family historians, this directory is the key to discovering the world your ancestors inhabited. For local historians, it is an indispensable primary source for understanding the social and commercial fabric of the region.

What is a Kelly's Directory?

In an age before the internet or even widespread telephone use, Kelly's Post Office Directories were the essential guides to daily life. They were the definitive resource for finding people, places, and professions. This edition meticulously catalogues the entire counties of Leicestershire and Rutland, from the grandest country estates to the smallest village workshops.

A Treasure Trove of Information Inside:

This meticulously reproduced facsimile contains a wealth of detail, including:

County-wide Information: Detailed descriptions of the counties' geography, agriculture, and history, along with lists of magistrates, public officials, and clergy.
Court & Postal Directories: Information on County Courts, Quarter Sessions, and the police. Discover the location of every post office and their precise collection times—a fascinating insight into the pace of 19th-century communication.
Comprehensive Town & Village Directories: For every major town, village, and hamlet, you will find:
A Street Directory for larger towns like Leicester and Loughborough.
A Private Residents Directory, listing the prominent householders, gentry, and professionals.
A Commercial Directory, featuring every tradesperson from the baker and blacksmith to the draper and innkeeper.
Classified Trades Directory: An alphabetical, county-wide list of every trade and profession, making it easy to locate all the carpenters, grocers, or wheelwrights in the region.
Who is this for?

Genealogists & Family Historians: Go beyond names and dates. Find out where your ancestors lived, what they did for a living, and who their neighbours were. Add rich context to your family tree.
Local Historians & Researchers: Trace the development of towns and villages, study local economies, and understand the social hierarchy of Victorian communities.
House Historians: Discover who lived in your home in 1881 and learn about its place within the local community.
Writers & Students: Gain authentic, detailed knowledge for historical novels, articles, or academic projects.
Why This Directory is Invaluable:

The 1881 directory sits perfectly between the 1871 and 1891 censuses, providing a crucial "in-between" look at your family and community. It helps you piece together the puzzle of your ancestors' lives, putting them on a map and in a living, breathing community