Kelly's Directory of Redhill, Reigate & Neighbourhood 1890 (Digital Download or CD)

Discover Your Ancestors in the Heart of Surrey

Unlock the history of your family or your house with this exact digital replica of the 1890 Kelly's Directory of Redhill, Reigate & Neighbourhood. Perfect for genealogists and local historians, this directory serves as a vital census substitute, bridging the gap between the 1881 and 1891 censuses.

The 1890 "Census Gap" Solution

Why is 1890 so important? With the ten-year gap between the 1881 and 1891 censuses, ancestors can move, marry, or pass away leaving no trace in the official records. Furthermore, just as we see debates about government distrust today, many Victorians were wary of official enumerators and refused to fill in census forms, believing it was an invasion of privacy or a prelude to higher taxes. If your ancestors avoided the census, they are likely listed right here! Kelly’s canvassers were focused on commercial accuracy and trade, making this directory a reliable "Plan B" for finding those elusive family members.

Format & Usability

This product is available as a high-quality Digital Download or on a CD.

• Scanned Images: The directory consists of high-resolution scanned images of the original pages, preserving the authentic Victorian typography and layout.
• Navigability: While this is a scanned book and not initially text-searchable, the alphabetical nature of the directories (both by surname and by trade) makes finding your ancestors quick and easy.
• OCR Technology: Most modern PDF readers (like Adobe Acrobat) now perform OCR (Optical Character Recognition) on the fly, allowing you to search the text for keywords instantly.

What's Inside? A Section-by-Section Breakdown

This comprehensive volume is packed with details that bring the Victorian era to life:

1. Surrey County Information: Detailed topography, geology, and a history of the county, including magistrates and the county police force.
2. Reigate & Redhill History & Statistics: A descriptive history of the towns, including population statistics, local government officials, and dignitaries.
3. Street Directory: An alphabetical listing of streets in Redhill and Reigate, naming the head of the household at every address—perfect for tracing house histories.
4. Private Residents Directory: An alphabetical list of private residents (the "Who’s Who" of the area), usually excluding tradespeople unless they are also gentry.
5. Commercial & Trade Directory: A classified list of businesses. Want to know who the local blacksmith, baker, or dressmaker was? It’s all here.
6. Official & Professional Directory: Listings for doctors, solicitors, clergy, and public servants.

Local History, Fame & Industry in 1890

This directory captures Redhill and Reigate during a period of rapid growth and prosperity.

• The "Gentry" & Notable Residents: In 1890, Reigate was a fashionable retreat for the wealthy. You may find listings related to the Tollemache family (Ham House) or local MPs.
• Industry: The area was booming with the Lime Works and the extensive ** brick and tile works** that fueled the building boom of London. The coming of the railways had firmly established Redhill as a commercial hub.
• Sports: Reigate Priory Cricket Club was already a central part of local life, playing on the famous grounds within the Priory Park.
• Famous Connections: While Enid Blyton (born in East Dulwich) would later make the area famous, 1890 features the residents who shaped the town she knew. Look out for the brewers (like the Styles family) who dominated local trade, or the numerous artists and musicians who were drawn to the Surrey Hills for inspiration. The Reigate Fort (part of the London Defence Scheme) was a recent addition, bringing a military presence to the area.

Important Note Regarding Maps

Please Note: While we always aim to provide the complete original volume, some editions of Kelly’s Directory were issued without maps, or maps have been removed from the original source books before scanning.

• The Bonus: We have included the complete street directory. Even if the printed map is missing from this scan, the street section acts as a comprehensive "textual map," allowing you to locate exactly where your ancestors lived and who their neighbours were.