Pike's Directory Blue Book Of Folkestone Hythe & Sandgate 1894-1895

Pike's Directory Blue Book Of Folkestone, Hythe & Sandgate 1894-1895 (Digital Download or CD)

Product Description

Step back into the vibrant late Victorian era with this exact facsimile of Pike’s Directory Blue Book Of Folkestone, Hythe & Sandgate 1894-1895. Essential for genealogists and local historians, this comprehensive directory offers a fascinating snapshot of life on the Kent coast during the height of the town’s popularity as a fashionable resort and military garrison.

Please Note: This product is a high-quality scan of the original book. The text consists of scanned images and is not inherently searchable by typing keywords (e.g., searching for "Smith"). However, the directory is organized alphabetically by surname and trade, making navigation intuitive. Furthermore, modern PDF readers (such as Adobe Acrobat) often perform OCR (Optical Character Recognition) on the fly, allowing you to use the "Find" function in many cases, though results may vary depending on the clarity of the original print.

Bridging the Census Gap

This directory is the perfect companion to your census research. It serves as a vital "census substitute" for the years between the 1891 and 1901 censuses. If your ancestors moved house, changed jobs, or passed away between these census years, this directory provides the crucial evidence needed to trace their movements and occupations in the mid-1890s.

Contents of the Directory

This Blue Book is packed with detailed information divided into easy-to-navigate sections:

• Street Directory: A comprehensive list of private residents and businesses street-by-street for Folkestone, Hythe, and Sandgate.
• Commercial Directory: An alphabetical listing of trades and professions (from Accountants to Wheelwrights), helping you identify the local economy and your ancestors' specific roles.
• Court Directory (Private Residents): An alphabetical list of the prominent private citizens, gentry, and professionals residing in the district.
• Official Information: Listings of local government officials, corporation members, magistrates, and public officers.
• Local Information: Details on postal services, cab fares, tide tables, and carriers—essential for understanding daily logistics.
• Advertisements: A wonderful collection of Victorian advertisements, offering insight into the products, medicines, and services available to your ancestors.

Historical Context & Local Highlights (1894-1895)

The mid-1890s were a time of transition and prosperity for the region. This directory captures the area at a fascinating juncture:

• The Military Presence: The directory is densely populated with military personnel. Shorncliffe Camp was a major garrison, and this era saw the presence of famous regiments. You will find listings for officers and military staff attached to the camp, which had a massive impact on the local economy and social life of Sandgate and Cheriton.
• The "Gateway to the Continent": Folkestone was the premier port for cross-channel travel to the Continent. The directory lists the numerous hotels, boarding houses, and booking agents that catered to the heavy flow of passengers, including the famous "Hotel Metropole" and "The Grand."
• Sports & Leisure: The late Victorians were obsessed with health and sport. The directory features contacts for the Folkestone Cricket Club (hosting county matches at the time) and the numerous rowing clubs along the harbor. The "Leas" was the center of promenading society, and the listings for bathing machines and coach hire speak to the town's tourist boom.
• Industry & Trade: Beyond tourism, the area was a hub for shipbuilding, fishing (especially the mackerel fisheries), and the emerging brush-making industry. The commercial directory lists the specific craftsmen and factory owners who powered the local economy.
• Famous Residents & Connections: While residents changed frequently, this was a period when the area attracted writers and artists. The town was a favorite retreat for figures from the London stage. The listings may include prominent local figures such as Harold Brown (a local philanthropist and developer of the West End) or the various Mayors and dignitaries who shaped the town's infrastructure.

**Map Disclaimer & Bonus

• Please be aware that original directories often had maps removed or damaged over the last 130 years. We cannot guarantee a map is present in every scan.
• Bonus: If the original map was intact and present in the source book we scanned, it is included as a fantastic bonus to help you navigate the old streets and parishes!

Formats Available

• Digital Download: Immediate access after purchase. No waiting for shipping.
• CD-ROM: A physical backup sent via post, ideal for those who prefer a tangible copy or have limited internet bandwidth.

Unlock the secrets of your Kentish ancestors today with this indispensable historical resource!