The Post Office Directory Of Nottinghamshire 1855

The Post Office Directory of Nottinghamshire 1855 - Digital Download or CD

Product Description:

Step back into the mid-Victorian era with this comprehensive repertory of Nottinghamshire. Perfect for genealogists and local historians, this high-quality reproduction of the 1855 Post Office Directory offers a fascinating snapshot of life in the county just midway through Queen Victoria’s reign.

Whether you are tracing your family tree or researching the history of your house, this directory is an invaluable resource, bridging the gap between the 1851 and 1861 censuses.

Format & Navigation

Please note that this product is a reproduction of scanned original images. It is not natively searchable (i.e., you cannot press Ctrl+F to find a name instantly). However, due to the alphabetical arrangement of the private residents and trades sections, navigation is straightforward.

• Pro Tip: Most modern PDF readers (such as Adobe Acrobat) perform "OCR on the fly." This means the software attempts to read the text as you view it, often allowing you to copy and paste text into a document or use the search function provided by your specific viewer software.

Inside the Directory

This volume is meticulously organized to help you locate exactly who or what you are looking for. It includes:

1. Nottingham City Directory:
   • Street Directory: A listing of inhabitants by street, helping you locate exact properties.
   • Commercial Directory: Tradesmen and business owners listed alphabetically by trade (e.g., Lace Makers, Hosiery, Iron Founders).
   • Court & Alley Directory: A crucial section for finding ancestors in the poorer, densely populated working-class areas often missed by other records.
   • Private Residents: An alphabetical list of the gentry, clergy, and prominent citizens.
2. County Directory:
   • Detailed listings for major towns including Mansfield, Newark, Southwell, Worksop, and Retford.
   • Every village and hamlet in Nottinghamshire is covered, providing the names of the farmers, shopkeepers, vicars, and landowners who formed the backbone of rural life.
3. Official Information:
   • County officials, magistrates, and clergy.
   • Postal arrangements and stagecoach times (a fascinating insight into travel before the railways dominated completely).

Historical Context & Famous Figures

The year 1855 was a time of immense industrial growth for Nottinghamshire. The county was the heart of the lace and hosiery industries, employing thousands.

• Industry: While the great lace machines were clattering in the factories, the county was also known for coal mining and tobacco production.
• Famous Residents: While looking through the pages, you may encounter John Boot. In 1855, his herbal medicine business was just beginning to gain traction, laying the groundwork for what would eventually become the massive Boots brand. The directory is a great way to see the early roots of local giants.
• Sport & Leisure: Unlike today, football clubs like Nottingham Forest (founded 1865) and Notts County (founded 1862) did not yet exist. However, the region was heavily invested in Cricket; Trent Bridge had already established itself as a major venue, and you will find references to local cricket clubs and archery societies in the recreational sections.

Census Gaps

If you have "lost" an ancestor between the 1851 and 1861 Census returns, this directory is the perfect tool to find them again. It can confirm if a family stayed in the same village or moved into the bustling city of Nottingham for work during the industrial boom.

Map Disclaimer

Please note: In many original directories of this age, the map was provided as a loose insert and was often lost or removed over the last 160+ years. We have scanned the book exactly as it was found. If the original map is present, it is included as a fantastic bonus to assist with your research, but please be aware that its presence cannot be guaranteed.

System Requirements:

• Any computer or device capable of reading a standard PDF file.
• Software such as Adobe Acrobat Reader, Foxit, orPreview (Mac).