Pike's Directory Blue Book Of Folkestone Hythe & Sandgate 1898-1899

Pike’s Directory Blue Book of Folkestone, Hythe & Sandgate 1898-1899 (Digital Download or CD)

Product Description

Step back into the late Victorian era with this fascinating republishing of Pike’s Directory Blue Book for Folkestone, Hythe & Sandgate 1898-1899. An essential resource for genealogists, local historians, and anyone researching the Kent coast during the height of its popularity as a fashionable resort.

About This Directory

This is a high-quality reproduction of the original primary source material. Please note that this directory consists of scanned images of the original pages. While the text is not embedded (meaning it is not immediately searchable in the traditional sense), the directory has been meticulously digitized to preserve the original look and feel.

Navigation: Because the directories are compiled alphabetically (by surname for residents and by trade for commercial listings), locating specific individuals is straightforward and intuitive.

• Tech Tip: Most modern PDF readers (such as Adobe Acrobat or browser-based viewers) now feature "OCR on the fly." This means you can often use the search function (Ctrl+F) to find names, and your device will scan the visual image to locate the text for you automatically.

Bridging the Census Gap

This directory is the perfect tool for bridging the gap between the 1891 and 1901 Census records. If you have lost track of an ancestor between these two census years, this directory allows you to pinpoint their exact location, their occupation, and their social standing in 1898/1899.

Contents of the Directory

This comprehensive "Blue Book" is packed with detail, offering a snapshot of life in these thriving Kentish towns. It includes:

• Folkestone: A full street directory, commercial directory, and private residents directory.
• Hythe: Detailed listings for this ancient Cinque Port.
• Sandgate: Comprehensive coverage of this coastal resort.
• Official & Clerical Directories: Listings of local government officials, magistrates, clergy, and medical practitioners.
• Trades & Professions: An alphabetical list of trades from basket makers to wine merchants.
• Court Directories & Postal Information: Essential dates for the Assizes, Quarter Sessions, and postal delivery times.
• Advertisements: A wonderful collection of Victorian advertisements promoting local businesses, from seaside hotels to patent medicines, providing color and context to your research.

Local History & Famous Residents (1898-1899)

The period of 1898-1899 was a golden age for the district. The area was a melting pot of Victorian gentry, military personnel, and artists.

• H.G. Wells: The famous father of science fiction was a resident of Sandgate during this era. Having moved to "Spade House" in 1896, Wells was living here while writing works such as The War of the Worlds (serialized 1897) and The Invisible Man. You may find references to him or his contemporaries in the local social listings.
• The "Blue Book" Elite: The "Blue Book" designation implies a focus on the upper echelons of society. You will find listings for the wealthy visitors who made Folkestone their summer home, as well as the prominent military figures associated with the nearby Shorncliffe Army Camp.

Interesting Facts & Industry

• Cross-Channel Traffic: By 1898, Folkestone was one of the busiest ports in England. The directory highlights the shipping agents and hoteliers who catered to the massive traffic between Folkestone and Boulogne.
• The Military Connection: With Shorncliffe nearby, the area was bustling with military life. The directories list numerous suppliers to the regiments and the families of officers stationed there.
• Music & Leisure: This was the era of the promenade concerts and the budding "Switchback" railway (an early roller coaster). The directory is full of musicians, music teachers, and entertainment venues that kept the Victorian tourists amused.

Map Disclaimer

Please Note: In many original directories, the fold-out maps were removed by previous owners or have simply succumbed to the ravages of time. As this is a scan of a historical book, we cannot guarantee the presence of the original map. However, if the map is present in the source book we scanned, it will be included as a fascinating bonus feature within this digital file/CD.

Technical Details

• Format: PDF (Portable Document Format).
• Availability: Available as an instant Digital Download or on a CD.
• Compatibility: Readable on any PC, Mac, Tablet, or Smartphone using standard PDF software.

Unlock the secrets of your Kentish ancestors today!