Cassey's Directory of Berkshire & Oxfordshire 1868 (Digital Download or CD)

Product Description

Unlock the history of your ancestors with this fascinating republication of Cassey's Directory of Berkshire & Oxfordshire 1868. This essential genealogy resource bridges the gap between the 1861 and 1871 census records, offering you a precise snapshot of life in the Victorian era.

Whether your family were tradesmen in the bustling market towns, farmers in the rural Vale of the White Horse, or academics in the dreaming spires of Oxford, this directory provides the names and addresses that bring your family tree to life.

Navigation & Searchability

Please note that this directory is a high-quality scan of the original 19th-century book. The text consists of scanned images and is not embedded as searchable text. However, don't let this deter you! The directory is laid out alphabetically by town and then by trade/surname, making manual navigation intuitive and fast.

Pro Tip: Most modern PDF readers (such as Adobe Acrobat) perform "OCR on the fly." This means you can often use the search function (Ctrl+F) to find names, although accuracy may vary depending on the clarity of the original print.

Historical Context & The Census Gap

If you have lost track of a family member between the 1861 and 1871 censuses, this directory is the perfect tool to locate them. It helps confirm residence, occupation, and social standing during this pivotal decade of industrial expansion.

Famous Residents & Local Connections

The year 1868 places this directory right in the heart of the Victorian age. While browsing, you may encounter references to notable figures or locations associated with famous names of the era:

• Oxford: The directory covers the city during the tenure of Lewis Carroll (Charles Dodgson) at Christ Church. Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland had been published just three years prior, and the city was abuzz with literary energy.
• Windsor & Berkshire: As the home of Queen Victoria, the region was the center of royal attention. The directory lists the local tradespeople and suppliers who kept the royal households running.
• Industrial Growth: This was the golden age of the Great Western Railway. You will find references to the massive railway workshops in Swindon (then North Wiltshire, but with huge influence over the borders) and the brewing and biscuit industries that were dominating Reading.

Local Highlights

• Industry: By 1868, Reading was becoming an industrial powerhouse. The famous Huntley & Palmers biscuit factory was well on its way to becoming the largest biscuit manufacturer in the world, employing thousands of locals listed within these pages.
• Sport: While professional football leagues had not yet formed (Reading FC was founded in 1871 and Oxford United in 1893), the region was obsessed with Cricket and Rowing. The directory details the rowing clubs and regattas on the Thames, which were premier social events of the day.
• Education: The detailed section on Oxford University provides a glimpse into the colleges and the dons who shaped the intellectual history of the nation.

Important Disclaimer

Please be aware that, in the original publication, the publisher occasionally omitted maps for certain smaller towns or parishes due to space constraints or availability. Consequently, some pages within this directory may refer to maps that are not physically present in the book.

Product Format

This product is available as a Digital Download (instant access) or on a CD. Compatible with PC, Mac, and Tablets. A PDF reader is required.