Kelly's Directory of Herefordshire 1885

Format: Digital Download (PDF) or CD-ROM

Unlock the history of your ancestors and the landscape of Victorian Herefordshire with this exact digital replica of the 1885 Kelly’s Directory. This fascinating volume serves as a complete snapshot of the county life during the height of Queen Victoria’s reign, bridging the gap between the 1881 and 1891 census records.

Whether you are a genealogist tracing family roots, a local historian, or simply curious about the "Cider County," this directory is an essential addition to your research library.

Navigation & Format

Please Note: This directory is a high-quality scan of the original book, presented as a PDF. It consists of scanned images and is not electronically searchable as text. However, don't let this deter you! The directory is compiled alphabetically by location and surname, making navigation incredibly intuitive. Furthermore, most modern PDF readers (such as Adobe Acrobat) perform OCR (Optical Character Recognition) on the fly, allowing you to use the "Find" function to search for surnames and place names with ease.

What's Inside?

This comprehensive directory is divided into several detailed sections:

1. General Information & County Statistics: A thorough overview of the county, including topography, geology, and climate.
2. The Court Directory: A listing of the county’s gentry, clergy, landowners, and officials.
3. The Trades Directory: An alphabetical list of tradespeople and merchants (from Blacksmiths to Wheelwrights), offering a unique look at the local economy.
4. The Private Residents Directory: A directory of private households, often exclusive of tradesmen.
5. Town & Village Histories: Detailed descriptions of the major towns (Hereford, Ross-on-Wye, Ledbury, Leominster) and every small village in the county. These entries include local landmarks, schools, and historical notes.
6. Advertisements: Period advertisements for local businesses, medicines, and services that add color and context to the era.

Bridging the Census Gaps

The 1885 release is the perfect tool to fill the ten-year void between the 1881 and 1891 England & Wales Censuses. If your ancestors moved, married, or passed away during this decade, this directory may be the only record that places them in a specific location. It is invaluable for tracking movements of families between census years.

Famous People & History

Herefordshire in 1885 was a hub of rural aristocracy and emerging industry. While using this directory, you may come across residences or references to notable figures connected to the area, including:

• Nell Gwynne: The famous mistress of King Charles II was born in Hereford (in Pipe Lane). The directory serves as a great companion to explore the streets she once knew.
• David Garrick: The legendary Shakespearean actor was also a native of Hereford.
• The Dukes of Norfolk: Historical references to the powerful aristocratic families who shaped the local landscape are prevalent within the Court Directory.

Interesting Facts about Herefordshire (1885 Context)

• The Cider Industry: In 1885, Herefordshire was the undisputed capital of cider production. The directory is filled with cider merchants, hop growers, and vinegar manufacturers, highlighting the county’s agricultural dominance.
• The Hereford Breed: The county was famous globally for its cattle. You will find references to agricultural shows and breeders associated with the iconic Hereford cattle.
• Music & Culture: 1885 was near the time of the famous Three Choirs Festival, one of the world's oldest classical music festivals, which rotates between Hereford, Worcester, and Gloucester. The directory lists the local clergy and musical figures who organized these prestigious events.
• The Railways: The expansion of the railway network in the 1880s was transforming the county, connecting the rural hop yards to the industrial cities of the Midlands and the West. You will find railway timetables and officials listed within.

Map Disclaimer & Bonus

Please be advised: Due to the age and binding of the original books, some fold-out maps may have been missing, torn, or too delicate to scan from the source edition. However, we have made every effort to include all available maps. If the maps are present in this edition, they are included as a fantastic bonus, offering a rare glimpse into the Victorian road systems and parish boundaries of the time.