Kelly's Directory Of Redhill Reigate & Neighbourhood 1899-1900

Kelly's Directory of Redhill, Reigate & Neighbourhood, 1899-1900 (Digitally Searchable Edition)

Unlock Your Ancestors' Lives in Victorian Surrey

Are your ancestors from the bustling towns of Redhill or Reigate? Did they walk the cobbled streets of Horley, Merstham, or Bletchingley at the dawn of the 20th century? Now you can move beyond names and dates and immerse yourself in their world.

The Kelly's Directory of Redhill, Reigate & Neighbourhood (1899-1900) is not just a book; it's a time machine. This invaluable resource is a vital key for any family historian with roots in this corner of Surrey, offering a detailed snapshot of life on the cusp of the Edwardian era. Perfect for bridging the gap between the 1891 and 1901 censuses, this directory provides the rich context that brings your family tree to life.

What You'll Discover Inside:

This meticulously digitised and fully searchable edition contains a treasure trove of information waiting to be uncovered:

Private Residents Directory: An alphabetical list of heads of households, their addresses, and often their occupations. Find out if your ancestor was a respected gentleman, a skilled tradesman, or a professional living in the area.

Commercial & Trade Directory: A comprehensive classified list of every imaginable trade and business. Was your great-grandfather a baker, a blacksmith, a draper, or an innkeeper? Discover where they worked and who their neighbours were in business.

Official & Ecclesiastical Directory: Names and addresses of local officials, council members, magistrates, clergy, doctors, and schoolmasters. Place your ancestors within the structure of their local community.

Local Information & Institutions: Details on postal services, carriers (horse-drawn coaches!), railway timetables, plus listings for schools, churches, and public buildings. Understand the infrastructure that shaped their daily lives.

Vintage Advertisements & Maps: Delight in period advertisements for local products and services, and use the included street maps to pinpoint your ancestor's exact home or workplace.

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

Bridge the Census Gap: Locate your relatives between the 1891 and 1901 censuses. If a family seems to have "disappeared," the directory may reveal they simply moved down the street.

Discover Occupations & Social Standing: Occupations are more than just jobs; they define status. See if your family were employers, employees, or skilled artisans, giving you a clearer picture of their social class.

Break Through Brick Walls: Stuck on a common name like "John Smith"? The combination of an address, occupation, and location can be the crucial clue you need to distinguish your ancestor from others.

Add Colour to Your Family Story: Learn which pub they might have frequented, who their doctor was, or where they bought their groceries. These details transform a dry list of names into a compelling family narrative.