Kelly's Directory Of Watch & Clock Trades 1880

Kelly's Directory Of Watch & Clock Trades 1880

Unlock Your Ancestor's Story: Kelly's Directory of Watch & Clock Trades 1880

The Definitive Guide to Victorian Britain's Horological Masters & A Genealogist's Treasure Trove.

Step back into the heart of the Victorian age... Imagine the rhythmic tick-tock of thousands of timepieces, the delicate clink of tools, and the focused craftsmanship in workshops from London's Clerkenwell to the heart of Manchester. Was your great-grandfather among these skilled artisans? Was the family business a cornerstone of the local community?

Now you can find out.

This meticulously digitised version of Kelly's Directory of Watch & Clock Trades 1880 is more than a book; it's a master key to the world of your ancestors and a fascinating snapshot of an entire industry at its zenith.

What You'll Discover Inside:

For the Family Historian:
Names & Locations: Pinpoint exactly where your watchmaking, clockmaking, or jeweller ancestors lived and worked.

Trade Details: Discover their specific specialisation – were they a watchmaker, a clockmaker, a chronometer maker, a jeweller, or a silversmith?

Business Listings: See if they worked independently, for a larger firm, or as part of a family partnership. Flesh out the "Occupation" field on your family tree with rich, contextual detail.

For the Horology Enthusiast & Collector:
Maker's Identities: Research the name engraved on that treasured pocket watch or longcase clock. Uncover the person or firm behind its creation.

Geographical Hotspots: Explore the major centres of the trade, from London to Coventry, Liverpool, and beyond.
Firm Histories: Trace the evolution of watch and clockmaking firms, many of which are listed with their founding dates.

For the Local & Social Historian:

A Commercial Census: Gain a complete, street-by-street overview of the horological trade in towns and cities across Britain in 1880.

Economic Landscape: Understand the scale and reach of this vital Victorian industry and its role in local economies.
Primary Source Data: Use this authentic, contemporary record as a cornerstone for your research, articles, or studies.

Who Is This Digital Directory For?
Family Historians tracing ancestors with horological or jewellery trades.
Horology Collectors researching the provenance of their timepieces.
Local History Researchers exploring the commercial life of Victorian towns.
Genealogical Societies and research libraries.
Authors and Students of social and economic history.

A Glimpse Inside (Example Entry):
Smith & Sons, John
Watch & Chronometer Makers & Silversmiths
123 High Street, Clerkenwell, London
Established 1852. Manufacturers of high-grade lever chronometers. Repairs to all makes of watches and chronometers a specialty. Suppliers to the Admiralty.

Don't let your ancestor's story remain a silent tick in the past.