Sutherland's Directory Of Kent & Essex 1870-1871

Sutherland's Directory of Kent & Essex (1870-71)

Imagine the cobblestone streets, the clatter of horse-drawn carriages, and the bustling energy of life in Kent and Essex during the height of Queen Victoria's reign. This is not a history book that tells you about the past; this is a primary source that places you directly within it.

Sutherland's Directory is a true time capsule, a comprehensive guide to the people, places, and professions that defined these two historic counties in 1870-71. It is an invaluable key for unlocking the stories of your ancestors and understanding the world they inhabited.

What Treasures Await Inside?

A Complete Social Roster: Discover who lived where. The directory features alphabetical lists of private residents, from the landed gentry in their country manors to the clerks and tradesmen in the townhouses, providing a unique census-like resource for the period.
The Heart of Commerce: Explore the classified trade directories. Find your ancestor's business—be it a baker in Canterbury, a blacksmith in Chelmsford, a shipwright in Gravesend, or a draper in Colchester. This section paints a vivid picture of the local economy and the skills that sustained the community.
The Fabric of Society: Gain insight into the official structures of the day. The directory lists local nobility, clergy, magistrates, doctors, and other officials, showing how society was organized and governed.
Travel & Communication: See how the world was connected with details on post offices, coach services, and the ever-expanding railway network that was transforming Victorian England.
A Glimpse into Daily Life: Be captivated by the original Victorian advertisements. Promoting everything from patent medicines to agricultural implements, these ads offer a colourful and authentic flavour of the era's consumer culture.
Who Will Find This Directory Indispensable?

The Genealogist: Trace your family tree, locate ancestors in a specific place and time, and discover their occupations and social standing.
The Local Historian: Reconstruct the social and economic landscape of your town or village, and understand its development in the late 19th century.
The House Historian: Uncover the past residents of your period property and learn about the neighbourhood they lived in.
Authors & Researchers: Add authentic detail and historical accuracy to novels, articles, or academic work set in Victorian Kent or Essex.
More than just a list of names, Sutherland's Directory is a doorway to a bygone age. Open it and let the stories of the past come to life