Drake's Gazetteer & Directory Of Leicestershire & Rutland 1861 Census Companion

Drake's Gazetteer & Directory Of Leicestershire & Rutland 1861 – Digital Download or CD

Product Description:

Unlock the secrets of your Leicestershire and Rutland ancestors with this stunning reproduction of Drake's Gazetteer & Directory of 1861. Perfect for family historians and local researchers, this essential resource serves as the ultimate "Census Companion."

While the 1861 Census is a vital tool, it is far from complete. Just as we see skepticism towards government forms today, 1861 was no different. Many residents, suspicious of the state’s prying questions or simply wary of new taxes, refused to fill out the census forms. As a result, your ancestors may be invisible to the census enumerator—but they are likely right here in these pages. If you have hit a brick wall in 1861, this directory is the solution you have been looking for.

Navigation & Search Features This directory is a high-quality scan of the original book, presented as a PDF.

• Format: Available as a convenient Digital Download (Instant Access) or a Physical CD.
• Scanned Images: Please note this is a facsimile of the original text; the pages are scanned images and are not inherently searchable text files.
• Easy to Navigate: Don't worry! The directory is meticulously organized alphabetically by town and trade, making it incredibly easy to flip to the section you need.
• Modern Tech Bonus: Did you know most modern PDF readers (like Adobe Acrobat, Edge, or Preview) now perform OCR (Optical Character Recognition) on the fly? You can often use the "Find" function (Ctrl+F) to search for surnames or places, even within these scanned images!

What's Inside: Section by Section This comprehensive Gazetteer is packed with details that bring the Victorian era to life:

1. County History & Statistics: A detailed overview of the topography, geology, and agriculture of Leicestershire and Rutland.
2. Court Directory (Private Residents): An alphabetical listing of the gentry, clergy, and prominent citizens (your "wealthy" ancestors!).
3. Commercial Directory (Trades): The heartbeat of the local economy. Find out if your great-great-grandfather was a boot-maker in Loughborough, a grocer in Leicester, or a blacksmith in Oakham.
4. Town & Village Gazetteers: Detailed descriptions of every major town and village, including local landmarks, schools, and transportation links.
5. Advertisements: A fascinating collection of Victorian ads, offering a glimpse into the products and services available to your ancestors.

A Glimpse into Leicestershire & Rutland in 1861

• The Industrial Powerhouse: In 1861, Leicestershire was at the heart of the Industrial Revolution. Leicester was booming with its hosiery and boot/shoe manufacturing. You will find hundreds of framework knitters and cordwainers listed within.
• Famous Faces: You may walk the same streets (in print) as Thomas Cook, the pioneer of tourism. Cook lived in Leicester and by 1861 was already establishing his travel empire from the city.
• Culinary Delights: Look out for entries for Melton Mowbray, famous even then for its pork pies and Stilton cheese. The directory lists the specific farmers and factors responsible for these world-renowned exports.
• Music & Arts: The Leicestershire Musical Festival was a major event in the social calendar, drawing crowds from across the region.
• Rutland – The Small County: Despite its size, Rutland was a distinct and proud county. The directory highlights Uppingham School (already gaining a reputation for excellence) and the ancient charm of Oakham.
• Sporting Life: Leicestershire has always been a hunting county. References to the Quorn Hunt and the Cottesmore Hunt appear frequently, detailing the local landowners and farmers who participated in this traditional country sport.

Map Note: Please be advised: Due to the age of the original source material, some directories had maps removed or damaged prior to scanning. However, if the map was present and intact in the master copy we used to create this digital version, it has been included as a special bonus!

Specifications:

• Format: PDF (requires Adobe Acrobat or equivalent reader).
• Compatibility: Windows, Mac, and Tablets.
• Source: Scanned from the original 1861 publication.