Kelly's Directory of Lincolnshire 1885 (Digital Download or CD)

Product Description

Unlock the history of your Lincolnshire ancestors with this complete facsimile of Kelly's Directory of Lincolnshire 1885. An essential resource for genealogists and local historians, this directory bridges the gap between the 1881 and 1891 censuses, offering a detailed snapshot of life in the county during the mid-Victorian era.

Whether your ancestors were farmers in the Wolds, fishermen in Grimsby, or tradesmen in the City of Lincoln, this directory provides the names and addresses that bring your family tree to life.

Navigation & Format

Please note that this product is a high-quality scan of the original book, consisting of digitized images. The text is not embedded or searchable in the traditional sense. However, due to the meticulous alphabetical arrangement of the directories, navigation is straightforward. Furthermore, many modern PDF readers (such as Adobe Acrobat) offer "OCR on the fly," allowing you to search the text once the file is open on your computer.

Contents of the Directory

This comprehensive volume is divided into several key sections to aid your research:

• General Information & County History: A detailed overview of Lincolnshire in 1885, including topography, geology, and administrative details such as the Magistrates and the County Police.
• The Court Directory (Private Residents): An alphabetical list of the gentry, clergy, and prominent citizens living in the county at the time. This is invaluable for tracing family movements between census years.
• The Trades Directory: A classified commercial directory listing businesses by trade. From blacksmiths to bakers, this section helps you understand the local economy and find specific ancestors' occupations.
• Town & Village Directories: Separate dedicated sections for major towns (including Lincoln, Grimsby, Boston, Grantham, Louth, and Spalding) and alphabetical traverses of the smaller villages. These usually include local officials, clergy, and key tradespeople for each specific location.
• Advertisements: Fascinating period advertisements for local products, services, and remedies that provide context to the daily lives of Victorian residents.

Historical Context: Filling the Census Gaps

The 1885 publication is perfectly positioned to fill the "Ten-Year Gap." If you have lost track of a family member between the 1881 and 1891 censuses, this directory can confirm if they were still residing in the county or had moved. It is particularly useful for identifying young adults who left home between census counts or older relatives who passed away in the interim.

Lincolnshire Life in 1885: Famous Faces & Facts

This directory captures Lincolnshire during a time of industrial growth and agricultural change.

• The Industrial Boom: By 1885, Grimsby was rapidly becoming the world’s premier fishing port. The directory lists the boat owners, fish merchants, and mariners who fueled this "Great Grimsby" expansion.
• Engineering Excellence: The city of Lincoln was a powerhouse of engineering. You will likely find entries related to the booming iron works, including Joseph Ruston, whose agricultural machinery and steam engines were famous worldwide and were being exported globally by this time.
• Sporting History: Lincoln City Football Club was founded just one year prior to this publication (in 1884). While professional leagues were still forming, the athletic clubs and cricket teams listed in the directory showcase the budding sporting culture of the county.
• Famous Sons: While the Poet Laureate Alfred, Lord Tennyson (born in Somersby) was residing on the Isle of Wight by 1885, his family roots and the local landmarks associated with his birthplace remain significant points of interest in the local topography sections.
• Agriculture: The directory highlights the dominance of the Lincolnshire Red cattle and the intensive farming of the fertile Fenland areas, which drove the county's economy.

Map Disclaimer

Please be advised that while many original directories included maps, not all copies contained them, and some may have been lost or damaged prior to scanning. We cannot guarantee the inclusion of a county map in this specific digital/CD version. However, if a map is present in the source material scanned, it will be included as a fascinating bonus.

System Requirements: Compatible with all PDF readers on Windows, Mac, and Linux systems.