Kelly's Directory Of The Isle Of Thanet Margate Ramsgate Broadstairs & Minster 1887-1888

Kelly's Directory of the Isle of Thanet (Margate, Ramsgate, Broadstairs & Minster) 1887-1888 – Digital Download or CD

Product Description:

Step back into the Victorian era with this high-quality reproduction of Kelly's Directory of the Isle of Thanet, 1887-1888. Covering the major towns of Margate, Ramsgate, Broadstairs, and the village of Minster, this essential genealogical resource offers a fascinating snapshot of life on the Kent coast during the Golden Jubilee year of Queen Victoria.

For family historians, this directory serves as a vital bridge between the 1881 and 1891 censuses. If you have lost track of an ancestor in the decade between these census years, this directory provides the perfect solution to pinpoint their exact location and occupation.

Navigating the Directory

Please note that this directory is a scanned collection of original images, presented in PDF format. It is not fully text-searchable in the traditional sense. However, Kelly’s Directories are famously well-organized. The residents and trades sections are arranged alphabetically by surname and trade, making manual navigation straightforward and intuitive. Furthermore, most modern PDF readers (such as Adobe Acrobat or browser-based viewers) now offer OCR (Optical Character Recognition) on the fly, allowing you to search the text using the "Find" tool in your viewer software.

What’s Inside?

This comprehensive volume is packed with details that bring your ancestors' world to life. It typically includes:

• Street Directories: A walk-through of the streets of Margate, Ramsgate, and Broadstairs, listing house by house.
• Private Residents: An alphabetical list of private households, ideal for tracing family members who were not in trade.
• Commercial & Trades Directories: Classified lists of businesses and tradespeople, from Shipbuilders to Bathing Machine Proprietors.
• Official Information: Details on local councils, magistrates, clergy, doctors, and public officials.
• Local History & Topography: Descriptions of the geology, history, and major landmarks of the Isle of Thanet.

Famous Residents & Local History

The Isle of Thanet in the late 19th century was a hub of aristocracy and artistic fame. While browsing, you may encounter references to the estates and haunts of historical figures connected to the area.

• Literary Connections: While Charles Dickens had passed away in 1870, his legacy loomed large over Broadstairs, where he often stayed at Fort House (now Bleak House). You will find the streets and establishments he frequented still thriving in 1887.
• The Queen’s Jubilee: Being the directory for 1887, it captures the atmosphere of Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee. You may find references to local celebrations or the prominent citizens involved in organizing them.
• Sir Moses Montefiore: The famous financier and philanthropist had strong ties to Ramsgate (East Cliff Lodge). Although he passed away in 1885, his presence and estate are significant parts of the town's history during this period.

Interesting Facts about Thanet in 1887

• The Bathing Machine Industry: By 1887, Thanet was the premier seaside resort in the South East. The directory is replete with "Bathing Machine Proprietors," highlighting the massive tourism industry that drove the local economy.
• Maritime Trade: Ramsgate was a bustling harbor of refuge. The directories list many Ship Owners, Ship Brokers, and Master Mariners, reflecting the town's ongoing importance in maritime trade and lifeboat services (the Ramsgate lifeboat was famous for its bravery).
• Sport & Leisure: Cricket was hugely popular in Kent. Look for the local cricket clubs in the trades sections. The area was also known for its archery and lawn tennis clubs, catering to the Victorian leisure class.

Map Disclaimer & Bonus

Please note: Due to the age and condition of the original source books, fold-out maps were often damaged or removed prior to scanning. Consequently, we cannot guarantee that the original map is present in every edition. The Bonus: If the map is present and scannable in this specific edition, it is included as a fantastic bonus to help you visualize the streets your ancestors walked!

Formats Available: This product is available as a Digital Download (instant access) or a CD (physically shipped to your door).