Kelly's Directory Of Hertfordshire 1890

Kelly's Directory of Hertfordshire 1890 - Digital Download or CD

Product Description:

Unlock the history of Hertfordshire with this exquisite reproduction of Kelly's Directory of Hertfordshire 1890. An essential resource for genealogists, local historians, and anyone researching their family tree, this directory offers a fascinating snapshot of life in the county at the height of the Victorian era.

Available as a convenient Digital Download or a physical CD, this high-quality volume contains scanned images of the original pages. While the text consists of images and is not inherently searchable, the directory is meticulously structured alphabetically by town and trade, making navigation surprisingly straightforward. Tip: Simply use the "Find" (CTRL+F) function in modern PDF readers like Adobe Acrobat, which now perform OCR (Optical Character Recognition) on the fly, to search for specific names or places!

Bridging the Census Gap

The 1891 Census is a vital tool, but the ten-year gap between 1881 and 1891 leaves a decade of mystery in your family's story. This 1890 directory is the perfect "Census substitute," placing your ancestors in a specific location just one year before the official census count. Discover where they lived, their occupation, and their standing in the community during this transformative period.

What's Inside the Directory?

This comprehensive guide is divided into several detailed sections:

1. County Information: A detailed history and topography of Hertfordshire, including details on the geology, agriculture, and main seats of the aristocracy.
2. Court Directory (Private Residents): An alphabetical list of private residents, featuring the gentry, clergy, and prominent citizens living in the county at the time.
3. Trades Directory: A classified commercial directory listing businesses and tradesmen by profession. From blacksmiths to bakers, this section shows the industrial backbone of Victorian Hertfordshire.
4. Towns & Villages: Street-by-street listings for major towns like Hertford, Watford, St. Albans, and Hitchin, as well as comprehensive coverage of the smaller villages.

Hertfordshire Life in 1890: Facts & Figures

• Industry & Agriculture: In 1890, Hertfordshire was transitioning from a purely agricultural heartland—famous for its wheat and barley—to an industrial hub. The directory reflects the booming printing industry in Watford and the significant brewing heritage in Hertford and Ware.
• Famous Residents & Associations: While browsing, you may encounter the residences of peers of the realm connected to the great estates. The county was home to the Cecil family at the historic Hatfield House and the Bulwer-Lyttons at Knebworth House. Look out for the staff listings for these great houses; your ancestors might have worked in these grand households!
• Sports & Leisure: Cricket was the obsession of the day, with village greens and town clubs thriving. The directory lists the secretaries and grounds of local athletic clubs, giving you a glimpse into your ancestor's hobbies.
• Music & Culture: The era saw the rise of brass bands and choral societies in the industrial towns. Keep an eye out for listings for local music teachers and instrument sellers, highlighting the cultural life of the county.

Important Disclaimer Regarding Maps

Please note that due to the age of the original source material and the fragility of the bindings, fold-out maps were often removed or damaged in original directories before scanning. Consequently, we cannot guarantee that a map is present in this specific digital edition. However, if a map is included in the scan, please consider it a special bonus!

Whether you are tracing the history of a Hertfordshire village or searching for a elusive great-grandfather, Kelly's Directory of Hertfordshire 1890 brings the past to your fingertips.