Kelly's Directory of Buckinghamshire 1883 (Digital Download or CD)

Step back into the Victorian era and trace your Buckinghamshire ancestors with this complete republishing of Kelly’s Directory of 1883.

Whether you are a local historian, a genealogist, or simply fascinated by the past, this directory offers an unparalleled snapshot of life in late 19th-century Buckinghamshire. From the grand estates of the Rothschilds to the bustling furniture workshops of High Wycombe, discover the people and places that shaped the county over 140 years ago.

About This Format

Please note that this product is a high-quality digital scan of the original book, provided as a PDF file available for immediate download or on a CD.

• Navigation: The directory is not fully searchable as text because it consists of scanned images. However, the vast majority of the listings are arranged alphabetically by town and by surname, making manual navigation intuitive and straightforward.
• OCR Capability: While the file itself is an image scan, most modern PDF readers (such as Adobe Acrobat or browser-based viewers) now perform OCR (Optical Character Recognition) "on the fly." This allows you to use the search function (Ctrl+F) to find many names and places, though accuracy may vary depending on the clarity of the original print.

What's Inside the Directory?

Kelly’s Directories were the Victorian equivalent of the Yellow Pages combined with a local census. This volume is meticulously divided into several key sections:

1. County Information: A detailed history of Buckinghamshire, including topography, geology, and a comprehensive list of the Magistrates and the gentry.
2. Court Directory: A private residential directory of the nobility, gentry, and clergy residing in the county at the time.
3. Town & Village Directory: Street-by-street and alphabetical listings of private residents and tradespeople for every major town and village in Buckinghamshire, including:
   • Aylesbury (The County Town)
   • High Wycombe
   • Buckingham
   • Chesham
   • Beaconsfield
   • Eton (including details of the College)
   • Slough (then a rapidly growing coaching town)
   • And dozens of smaller hamlets.
4. Trades Directory: A classified commercial directory allowing you to see exactly what businesses were operating in 1883. Find out who was baking the bread, brewing the ale, or making the famous Windsor chairs.

Historical Context & Famous Residents

Bridging the Census Gaps This directory is an essential resource for filling the gaps between the 1881 and 1891 censuses. If you have "lost" an ancestor between these years, this directory can pinpoint exactly where they were living and what their occupation was in 1883.

Famous People of 1880s Buckinghamshire In 1883, Buckinghamshire was the home of some of the most influential figures in British history. While browsing these pages, you may encounter references to:

• The Rothschild Family: By 1883, the Rothschild family had established a powerful presence in the county, particularly at Mentmore (owned by Baron Mayer de Rothschild) and the emerging estate of Waddesdon. Their influence on the local economy and architecture was immense.
• Benjamin Disraeli: Although the Earl of Beaconsfield passed away in 1881, his presence in Hughenden Manor was still deeply felt in the county. The directory reflects the enduring legacy of this famous Prime Minister in the Beaconsfield area.
• The Duke of Buckingham and Chandos: The aristocratic influence of the Temple family (based at Stowe) remained a significant part of the county's social structure.

Local Industry & Facts

• The Chair Industry: High Wycombe was the heart of the British furniture industry. By 1883, the town was famous globally for the production of the "Windsor Chair." The trades directory is filled with turners, bodgers, and chair manufacturers who powered this industrial boom.
• Lacemaking: While in decline by 1883, the traditional lace industry of the county (particularly around Olney and Newport Pagnell) was still active, with many women and older residents listed as "Lacemakers."
• Sport & Leisure: The Victorians were avid sportsmen. The directory lists local cricket clubs, archery societies, and fox hunting packs (such as the infamous Whaddon Chase), which were central to the social calendar of the county gentry.

Important Disclaimer

Please be aware that during the scanning of the original source book used for this reproduction, the original map pages were found to be missing. Consequently, this digital download/CD does not contain the pull-out county map that would have accompanied the 1883 publication. All text, directories, and advertisements are otherwise complete.