Snow's Directory Of Bournemouth & Strangers Guide 1884

Snow's Directory Of Bournemouth & Strangers Guide 1884 - Genealogy & History Resource (Digital Download/CD)

Product Description:

Step back into the Victorian era with this high-quality reproduction of Snow's Directory Of Bournemouth & Strangers Guide 1884. An essential addition to any family historian’s library, this directory offers a fascinating snapshot of life in one of England’s most fashionable seaside resorts during the height of its development.

Whether you are tracing your family tree or researching the local history of Hampshire and Dorset, this directory provides the details that bridge the gap between the 1881 and 1891 census records.

About this Format: This product is available as a Digital Download or on a CD. The directory consists of scanned images presented in a searchable PDF format. Please note that the text is a scan of the original 1884 printing and is not embedded as searchable text. However, navigation is straightforward thanks to the alphabetical listings of residents and trades. Tip: Most modern PDF readers (such as Adobe Acrobat or browser viewers) now feature OCR (Optical Character Recognition) on the fly, allowing you to search the text visually within the software.

What's Inside: This comprehensive directory is divided into easy-to-use sections, allowing you to pinpoint exactly who was living in Bournemouth and how the town was organized.

• Street Directory: A thorough listing of the main streets and thoroughfares, helping you locate exactly where your ancestors lived. Perfect for tracking neighbors and the social makeup of specific roads.
• Commercial & Trades Directory: From hoteliers and land agents to butchers and builders, this section details the bustling economy of Victorian Bournemouth.
• Private Residents Directory: An alphabetical list of private households, distinguishing the permanent residents from the seasonal visitors.
• Official & Municipal Information: Details on the local Commissioners, medical officers, and public officials who ran the town.
• The Strangers' Guide: A delightful contemporary travel guide featuring descriptions of the local climate, the best boarding houses, and the "health-giving" pine woods that made Bournemouth famous.

Bridging the Census Gap: The 1880s are a notoriously difficult decade for genealogists as they sit squarely between the 1881 and 1891 censuses. This directory serves as a vital substitute census, potentially revealing where your ancestor moved, their change in occupation, or if they were running a business during this period.

Famous Residents & Notable Figures: Bournemouth in 1884 was a magnet for the aristocracy and artists. While browsing, you may encounter references to notable figures connected to the area, including:

• Robert Louis Stevenson: The famed author of Treasure Island spent time in Bournemouth during the early 1880s; he resided at "Skerryvore" (though he was often abroad in 1884, his family presence and the house remained significant landmarks).
• Mary Shelley: Although she passed away in 1851, Bournemouth was her final resting place (St. Peter's Church), and the directory serves as a reminder of the town she helped put on the literary map.
• The Royal Family: The area was frequented by royalty, and the directory lists many establishments catering to high-society visitors, reflecting the town's status as a royal retreat.

Interesting Facts about Bournemouth in 1884:

• The Music of the Pier: The Bournemouth Pier was a hub of entertainment. While the famous Bournemouth Municipal Orchestra wasn't founded until 1893, the pier and Winter Gardens were already hosting daily brass band concerts and promenades.
• Sporting Pursuits: Cricket was immensely popular, and the directory lists the cricket grounds and clubs that were the precursors to the modern Dean Park Cricket Club.
• The Building Boom: By 1884, Bournemouth was in the midst of a massive construction boom. The "Industry" section is dominated by architects, builders, and decorators, highlighting how the town was rapidly expanding from a heathland village into a major resort.

Map Disclaimer: Please note: Due to the age of the original source material, the fold-out map that occasionally accompanied this directory may be missing, torn, or incomplete. However, if the map is present and intact in this specific scan, please treat it as a valuable bonus addition to your purchase!

Unlock the secrets of your Bournemouth ancestors today with this timeless historical resource.