Vivish's Directory & Guide Of Maidstone & Neighbourhood 1872

Unlock Your Maidstone Ancestors: Vivish's Directory & Guide of 1872

Step into the Victorian world of your family. Discover the people, places, and professions that shaped their lives in the heart of Kent.

Transport yourself to 1872, a time when the clatter of horse-drawn carts echoed through Maidstone’s bustling market squares and the River Medway was the lifeblood of industry. For any family historian with roots in this corner of Kent, Vivish's Directory & Guide of Maidstone & Neighbourhood is not just a book—it's a time machine, a key, and a detective all in one.

This rare and invaluable resource provides a detailed snapshot of the town and its surrounding villages at a pivotal moment in history. Move beyond names and dates and discover the rich context of your ancestors' daily existence.

What Treasures Await You Inside?

Comprehensive Commercial Directory: Pinpoint your ancestor's trade or profession. Find their business, see its exact address, and discover who their neighbours and competitors were. From bakers and blacksmiths to solicitors and seed merchants, trace the economic landscape they navigated.
Court Directory (Private Residents): Locate the homes of your non-commercial ancestors. This alphabetical list of private residents is invaluable for finding where gentry, clerks, artisans, and your own family members laid their heads at night.
Official & Municipal Information: Understand the structure of their world. Discover the names of corporation officials, magistrates, clergy, doctors, and schoolmasters who governed and served the community.
A True "Guide" to the Town: Go beyond the lists! This section brings 1872 Maidstone to life with:
Information on coach and railway services, showing how people and goods travelled.
Details on postal services, banks, and insurance offices.
A fascinating history of Maidstone and its principal institutions.
Authentic contemporary advertisements that offer a glimpse into the products and services of the day.
Coverage of the "Neighbourhood": Your search isn't limited to the town centre. This directory includes key surrounding villages and parishes, helping you trace families who lived just outside Maidstone's bustling core.
Who is this essential for?

Genealogists: Break down brick walls by confirming an ancestor's location, occupation, and social standing in 1872. Add colour and narrative to your family tree.
Local & Social Historians: Create a vivid social and economic snapshot of Victorian Maidstone, mapping its trades, streets, and social hierarchy.
House Historians: Uncover the early residents of your property and learn about its place in the local community.
Writers & Researchers: Add authentic detail to stories, articles, or academic works set in 19th-century Kent.
Imagine the Discoveries:

Imagine the thrill of finding your great-great-grandfather listed as a "Carpenter & Joiner" on Gabriel's Hill. Picture your great-great-grandmother's family living on a street you can still find today. This directory makes those connections possible.