Kelly's Directory Of Chichester Bognor & Litllehampton 1900

Kelly's Directory of Chichester, Bognor & Littlehampton 1900 (Digital Download or CD)

Unlock the Past: Discover Your Ancestors in Edwardian West Sussex

Step back in time to the turn of the 20th century with this exquisite reproduction of Kelly’s Directory of Chichester, Bognor & Littlehampton 1900. Perfect for genealogists, local historians, and anyone researching family trees in West Sussex, this directory serves as an invaluable census substitute.

Often, our ancestors disappear from official records. Much like the sentiments of government distrust seen in modern times, many individuals in the past refused to fill in census forms or were simply away visiting family on the night the census was taken. If your ancestors are missing from the 1891 or 1901 census, there is a high chance they are listed right here!

Product Format & Navigation This product is available as a high-quality Digital Download or on a CD.

• Facsimile Images: The directory consists of high-resolution scanned images of the original pages, preserving the authentic look and feel of the 1900 text.
• Easy Navigation: While this is a scanned book and not text-searchable in the traditional sense, it is incredibly easy to use. The directory is structured alphabetically by surname and trade, allowing you to scroll directly to the section you need.
• Modern Compatibility: Most modern PDF readers (such as Adobe Acrobat) offer OCR (Optical Character Recognition) on the fly, allowing you to search the text using the "Find" function in your viewer software.

A Snapshot of Life in 1900 This directory captures a fascinating era of transition. Bognor (not yet "Regis") was establishing itself as a fashionable health resort, Littlehampton was thriving as a busy port and seaside destination, and Chichester remained the staunch administrative and ecclesiastical heart of the region.

Interesting Local Facts & Figures

• Industry & Commerce: In 1900, Littlehampton was famous for its shipbuilding and trade in shingle and timber. Chichester maintained its agricultural roots, while Bognor’s economy was driven by the influx of visitors seeking the "bracing sea air" believed to cure various ailments.
• Sport: Cricket was the heartbeat of Sussex. The directory references the local cricket clubs and the deep connection the region had to the Sussex County Cricket Club, which was already gaining fame.
• Famous Residents & Connections:
  • This era records the residents who lived in the shadows of the magnificent Goodwood House, home to the Dukes of Richmond, who played a massive role in local society.
  • The Poet’s City: Chichester’s rich literary history is ever-present. While the great Romantic poet William Blake lived in the area a century prior, the city in 1900 was still filled with artistic residents and the families of those who walked the same medieval streets.
  • Musical Heritage: The directories of this time often list music teachers and instrument sellers, reflecting a society where domestic music-making was the primary form of entertainment.

What’s Inside? This comprehensive volume is packed with detailed information, divided into easy-to-navigate sections:

1. Chichester & District History: A descriptive survey of the area, its geology, and its history.
2. Street Directory: An alphabetical list of streets in Chichester, Bognor, and Littlehampton, showing the head of the household at each address.
3. Private Residents Directory: An alphabetical list of the private gentry, clergy, and notable citizens (essential for finding family members who did not run a business).
4. Commercial & Trades Directory: A classified list of professions and businesses—from Blacksmiths to Zealous teachers—covering every trade imaginable in 1900.
5. Official Information: Details on local government officials, magistrates, clergy, medical officers, and public institutions.
6. Villages: In-depth coverage of the surrounding hamlets and villages including Aldingbourne, Bosham, Fishbourne, Pagham, Selsey, and Yapton.

Map Disclaimer & Bonus Please be aware that in some original archival copies, the map pages were removed or damaged prior to scanning. However, if the original maps are present in this specific source volume, they have been included as a fantastic bonus to help you visualize the layout of the towns and parishes where your ancestors lived and worked.

Don't let the "missing census" mystery stall your research. Order your copy of Kelly's Directory today and find the names the enumerators missed!