Pigot's Directory of Surrey 1839 - Digital Download or CD-ROM

Step back into the late Georgian / early Victorian era with this fascinating snapshot of Surrey history.

Are you struggling to find your ancestors in the early census returns? You are not alone. Due to widespread government distrust and skepticism—much like the privacy concerns we see regarding data collection today—many residents in the 1800s refused to fill in census forms or actively avoided enumerators. If your ancestors are "missing" from the official records, they might very well be hiding in plain sight within this directory.

Pigot's Directory of Surrey 1839 serves as a vital bridge for genealogists and historians. Compiled before the first detailed census of 1841, this directory offers a unique, head-of-household style listing of residents, tradespeople, and gentry that official records often missed.

About This Edition

This high-quality reproduction is available as a convenient Digital Download or a physical CD-ROM.

Please note: This is a scanned facsimile of the original book. While the text is not embedded (meaning you cannot "Ctrl+F" to search instantly), the directory is arranged alphabetically by location and by trade, making navigation intuitive and straightforward.

Tech Tip: Most modern PDF readers (such as Adobe Acrobat or browser-based viewers) now feature "OCR on the fly." This means your computer can attempt to read the text images for you, potentially allowing for searching depending on the clarity of your screen magnification.

What’s Inside?

This comprehensive directory is divided into two main sections to help you locate your ancestors efficiently:

1. The Topographical & Statistical Survey This section provides a detailed description of every town, village, and parish in Surrey. It includes:

• Local Geography: Information on hills, rivers, and soil.
• Institutions: Listings for churches, schools, and charities.
• Transport: Details of turnpike roads and the emerging railway system (a booming industry in Surrey during this period).
• Private Residents: A list of the gentry, clergy, and prominent citizens living in the area—the very people who might have avoided the census!

2. The Commercial Directory An alphabetical classified list of trades and professions. Whether you are looking for a blacksmith in Croydon, a miller in Guildford, or a doctor in Richmond, this section allows you to pinpoint exactly where your ancestors worked and lived.

Why is 1839 a Vital Year for Research?

There are significant gaps in the 1831 census (which only listed heads of households) and the 1841 census (which often missed details or people). The year 1839 represents the height of the transition into the Victorian age. By cross-referencing this directory with parish records, you can confirm family residences and occupations that simply do not appear elsewhere.

Famous Faces & Surrey History

Surrey in 1839 was a mix of industrial revolution powerhouses and leafy arist retreats. While browsing these pages, you may encounter references to areas associated with notable figures of the era, including:

• William Cobbett: The famous political journalist and farmer passed away in 1835, but his influence on the rural Surrey working class was still very much present in 1839.
• The Duchess of Richmond: The Surrey social season was in full swing, with Richmond and Kew hosting a who's who of Regency and Victorian society.
• Florence Nightingale: Though she would gain fame later, the Nightingale family had strong connections to the county (specifically Embley Park in nearby Hampshire, but with extensive Surrey ties).
• Literary Giants: The area was a magnet for writers; the echoes of Jane Austen (who died in 1817 but set scenes in Surrey) still resonated in the estates listed here.

Interesting Facts About Surrey in 1839

• The Nursery of England: Due to its fertile soil and proximity to London, Surrey was the primary source of the capital's food. The directory is filled with market gardeners, nurserymen, and corn factors.
• The Rise of the Railways: The London and Southampton Railway was transforming the county. Towns like Wimbledon and Surbiton were just beginning to morph from rural villages into commuter suburbs.
• Sporting Heritage: Surrey was already a hub for sport. The Surrey County Cricket Club was formed only a few years prior (1845), but cricket matches on the famous Mitcham Cricket Green were already a staple of local life mentioned in local gazetteers. Horse racing at Epsom Downs was a major event that dictated the local economy in June.
• Industry: While known for beauty, the River Wandle powered dozens of textile and calico printing mills (such as those in Merton and Wandsworth), making it one of the hardest-working rivers in the world at the time.

Bonus Feature: Maps

While we cannot guarantee the inclusion of the original county map in every scan (as these were often removed from original book bindings over the last 180 years), this edition includes a scan of the original map where available. If the map is present in the source material used for your copy, it will be included as a high-resolution bonus at no extra charge.

Disclaimer: As these are scans from original antique books, some pages may show signs of age, such as foxing or faded print. We have made every effort to ensure readability. The inclusion of the map is subject to the condition of the original source material.

Unlock the secrets of your Surrey family tree today! Order your Digital Download or CD-ROM now.