Garnett's Directory Of Worthing Sussex 1914-1915

Garnett’s Directory of Worthing, Sussex 1914-1915 (Digital Download or CD-ROM) – A Perfect Census Substitute for WW1 Era Research

Product Description:

Step back into the twilight of the Edwardian era and the dawn of the First World War with this fascinating republishing of Garnett’s Directory of Worthing, Sussex 1914-1915.

This essential genealogical resource offers a unique snapshot of life in "Sunny Worthing" at a pivotal moment in history. As the Great War began to reshape Europe, this directory remained a steadfast record of the local community. Whether your ancestors were shopkeepers, private residents, or civic leaders, this directory provides the details often missing from official records.

Why Choose This Directory? For family historians, the early 20th century can be a difficult period to navigate. With the destruction of the 1931 Census and the long wait for the 1921 records, directories like this serve as an invaluable "census substitute."

Did you know that just as we see debates about privacy and government distrust today, our ancestors had similar reservations? Many residents in the early 1900s refused to fill out census forms due to mistrust of the state or fear of taxation (particularly the "Lunacy Act" concerns of the time). If your ancestors went "off the grid" to avoid the census enumerator, there is a very good chance they are listed right here in the commercial and street directories, where inclusion was often a matter of pride or business necessity rather than government mandate.

Format & Navigation: Please note that this product is a high-quality scan of the original book, provided as a digital download or on a physical CD-ROM. As these are scanned images, the text is not embedded for internal searching. However, finding your way around is simple thanks to the comprehensive Alphabetical Indexes.

• Easy to Navigate: The directory is organized alphabetically by surname and trade, allowing you to flip through the digital pages just as you would the book.
• Modern Tech Friendly: If you use a modern PDF reader (such as Adobe Acrobat or browser-based viewers), many now offer OCR (Optical Character Recognition) "on the fly," allowing you to use the search function within your viewer to locate keywords, though results may vary depending on the clarity of the original print.

What’s Inside? This comprehensive volume is divided into detailed sections to help you paint a full picture of your ancestor's life:

1. Street Directory: A house-by-house listing of the principal streets of Worthing. Discover who lived next door to your ancestors and map the neighborhood.
2. Commercial Directory: An alphabetical list of traders and professions. Find out if Great Grandad ran a grocery store or if Auntie was a dressmaker.
3. Private Residents Directory: An alphabetical list of private citizens, often distinguishing between homeowners and tenants.
4. Official & Clerical Directory: Listings of local government officials, councillors, medical officers, and members of the clergy—vital for understanding the civic structure of the town.
5. Advertisements & Notices: Period advertisements for local businesses, providing context on the cost of goods and the services available in 1914.

Local History & Famous Residents: Worthing in 1914 was more than just a seaside resort; it was a hub of culture and intrigue.

• Famous Connections: While the famous poet Percy Bysshe Shelley was born in nearby Broadbridge Heath (Field Place) much earlier, his family presence was still felt in Sussex during this era. The directory captures the continuing legacy of influential families who shaped the region.
• Music & Arts: Known as a place of rest for musicians and artists, Worthing attracted performers from London. The directory lists the many hotels and boarding houses that hosted the theatrical companies performing at the town’s theatres.
• Industry: During this period, Worthing was famous for its market gardening, supplying London with tomatoes and cucumbers grown in the town's extensive glasshouses. The directory is rich with listings for nurserymen and seed merchants.
• Sport: The town had a thriving cricket and bowling scene. Look for listings related to the Worthing Cricket Club and the various bowling greens that were central to social life in Edwardian Sussex.

A Note on Maps: Every effort has been made to preserve the original content of this directory. Please be aware that, in some original editions, the fold-out street maps were removed or damaged over the last century. While we cannot guarantee the presence of a map, if a map is included in this specific scan, please treat it as a fascinating bonus feature!