Kelly's Directory Of Hertfordshire 1899

Product Description:

Step back into the late Victorian era with this comprehensive republishing of Kelly's Directory of Hertfordshire 1899. An essential resource for genealogists and local historians, this directory offers a snapshot of life in Hertfordshire at the end of the 19th century.

Perfect for bridging the "census gap" between the 1891 and 1901 censuses, this directory allows you to pinpoint exactly where your ancestors lived, what they did for a living, and who their neighbors were.

Format & Navigation

This product is available as a digital download or on a CD.

• Scanned Images: The directory consists of high-resolution scanned images of the original pages. It is not an OCR'd text database (you cannot "Ctrl+F" to search immediately).
• Easy Navigation: Don't worry—the directory was originally published alphabetically by town and village, and the Private Resident section is strictly alphabetical. This makes finding your ancestors straightforward and intuitive.
• Modern Compatibility: While the file itself is an image-based PDF, most modern PDF readers (such as Adobe Acrobat) offer "OCR on the fly." This means you can often use the search function within your reader software to find names, though browsing the alphabetical sections is the primary method of navigation.

What's Inside?

This directory is packed with detailed information, divided into several key sections:

1. County Information: A detailed look at Hertfordshire’s geography, topography, and history. This includes statistics on agriculture, geology, and the main highways and byways of the Victorian era.
2. Court Directory (The Gentry & Clergy): An alphabetical list of the nobility, gentry, clergy, and major landowners. This is where you will find the "Upper Class" residents of the county.
3. Private Residents Directory: An alphabetical listing of private residents, excluding tradesmen. This is a goldmine for tracing family trees, showing the head of the household at their specific address.
4. Commercial & Trade Directory: A classified list of tradesmen and professionals. From Blacksmiths in Berkhamsted to Wheelwrights in Watford, this section shows the vibrant industrial and commercial life of the county.
5. Parish & Town Histories: Individual descriptions of the major towns and villages, detailing local landmarks, churches, and institutions.

Historical Context & The Census Gap

If you have hit a brick wall between the 1891 and 1901 censuses, this directory is the perfect substitute. It records population movements and changes in employment that occurred during the Boer War period (1899-1902), offering a vital ten-year check-point for your research.

Famous Hertfordshire Connections

Hertfordshire in 1899 was home to a mix of established aristocracy and rising industrialists. While browsing, you may come across residences associated with:

• Cecil Rhodes (1853–1902): The imperialist and founder of Rhodesia was born in Bishop's Stortford, and his family maintained connections there.
• The Salisbury Family: The powerful Cecil family, based at Hatfield House, were central to county politics. The 3rd Marquess of Salisbury was serving his final term as Prime Minister during this year.
• Samuel Ryder: Famous for founding the Ryder Cup, he was a resident of St Albans around this period, running his seed business.

Local Highlights & Industry

In 1899, Hertfordshire was a county in transition, moving from rural agriculture to suburban industry.

• The Paper Industry: The towns of Apsley and Hemel Hempstead were the epicenter of the UK paper industry (John Dickinson & Co), employing thousands.
• Brewing: Hertford was famous for its breweries, including McMullen’s, which was already a household name.
• Straw Plaiting: While declining, this traditional female-dominated industry was still present in the rural villages, supplying the fashion hubs of London.
• Music & Arts: The county has a long history of church music. The directory lists many organists and choir masters associated with the splendid cathedrals and churches of St Albans and Hertford.
• Sports: Cricket was wildly popular, with village greens hosting competitive matches long before formal leagues took over.

Important Note Regarding Maps

Disclaimer: Please be aware that original directories of this age often included fold-out maps that were easily damaged or lost over the last 120 years. While we have made every effort to preserve the content, we cannot guarantee that the original county map is present in this specific scan. If the map is included, please consider it a bonus feature!

System Requirements: Compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux. Requires a PDF reader (Adobe Reader or similar) to view the images.