Broster’s Directory & Guide Of Chester 1781 (Digital Download or CD)

Step back into the Georgian era and explore the historic streets of Chester as they existed over 240 years ago.

This fascinating republication of Broster’s Directory & Guide Of Chester 1781 offers an invaluable snapshot of life in one of England's most iconic walled cities. Whether you are a genealogist tracing your family tree or a historian researching local history, this directory provides a vital bridge to the past, filling the gaps left by the lack of civil registration or census records in this period.

Product Format & Navigation

Please note that this product is a high-quality scan of the original book, comprising digitized images (PDF format). It is not a text-searchable database in the traditional sense. However, because the original directory is meticulously organized alphabetically by surname and trade, navigation is intuitive and straightforward.

Tech Tip: While the file itself consists of images, most modern PDF readers (such as Adobe Acrobat or browser-based viewers) now offer OCR (Optical Character Recognition) on the fly, allowing you to search the text using the "Find" function in your viewer software.

Why This Directory Matters (Census Context)

For researchers, the year 1781 falls into the "pre-census" era. The first official UK census did not occur until 1801, and even that was merely a headcount. It was not until 1841 that names were recorded. Therefore, directories like Broster’s are often the only way to confirm the residence, occupation, and status of your ancestors in Chester during the late 18th century.

Contents of the Directory

This comprehensive guide is divided into distinct sections to help you pinpoint exactly what you need:

• Alphabetical List of Traders & Inhabitants: The core of the directory, listing the prominent merchants, shopkeepers, and residents of Chester.
• Classified Trades List: Organized by profession (e.g., Apothecaries, Braziers, Carpenters), allowing you to see the industrial landscape of the city.
• Street Directory: A guide to the principal streets and lanes within the city walls.
• Public Institutions: Details on the Cathedral, Corporation, and civic offices.
• Transport & Carriers: Essential information on coach services and carriers leaving the city for other parts of the country (crucial for understanding migration routes).
• Local Advertisements: A delightful collection of contemporary ads for goods and services, offering a flavor of Georgian consumerism.

**Chester in 1781: Historical Context & Famous Residents

The late 18th century was a time of elegance and expansion for Chester. The city was a major social hub for the Cheshire gentry, known for its "Row" shopping galleries and its status as a departure point for Ireland.

Notable Figures & Connections While browsing these pages, you may encounter names associated with the city's great families.

• The Grosvenor Family: The influential Grosvenors (later the Dukes of Westminster) were dominant landowners in the area during this period.
• John Fletcher (Mayor): In 1781, John Fletcher served as Mayor of Chester. The directory lists the civic hierarchy of the time.
• John McGragh: A notable banker and merchant of the time who appears in early Chester financial records.

Industry & Facts

• The Georgian Boom: In 1781, Chester was transitioning from a medieval market town to a Georgian center of leisure. The "Rows" were filled with luxury goods dealers catering to the upper classes.
• Chester Races: The Racecourse (The Roodee) was already famous. By 1781, the races were a permanent fixture on the social calendar, attracting visitors from London and beyond, many of whom would have needed the services listed in the "Coaches and Inns" section of this directory.
• The Port of Chester: Though the River Dee was silting up, trade was still active. You will find references to ropemakers, shipwrights, and fishermen, highlighting the city's maritime dependency.

Important Disclaimer regarding Maps

Please be aware that due to the age and binding of the original source book, the original fold-out maps were either damaged or missing prior to scanning. This product contains the directory text and advertisements but does not include the original street maps.

System Requirements

• Any computer or device capable of reading a standard PDF file.
• This product is available as a Digital Download (link provided upon purchase) or a Physical CD.