Kelly's Directory of Sussex 1890 - Digital Download or CD-ROM

Product Description

Unlock the secrets of Victorian Sussex with this comprehensive 1890 directory.

Step back in time to the era of Queen Victoria with this exact digital replica of Kelly's Directory of Sussex 1890. Whether you are a family historian, a local researcher, or simply curious about the county’s past, this directory is an indispensable resource for bridging the gap between the 1881 and 1891 census returns.

Important Note on Format & Searchability This directory is a high-quality scan of the original book, preserving the authentic look and typography of the 19th century. While the text is not embedded (meaning the file itself is not "searchable" in the traditional sense), the directory is meticulously organized alphabetically by location and surname, making navigation surprisingly intuitive. Furthermore, most modern PDF readers (such as Adobe Acrobat) now perform OCR on the fly, allowing you to use the "Find" function to search for names and places directly within the viewer.

A Census Substitute for the "Missing" Ancestors

Just as we see debates over government privacy and data collection today, our Victorian ancestors were often wary of official enumerators. Many residents, suspicious of the government's intent, refused to fill out census forms or avoided census enumerators altogether. If you have a "lost" ancestor who doesn't appear in the official census records, there is a very good chance they are listed right here! Tradesmen, farmers, and private residents who flew under the official radar are often captured in detail within these pages.

What's Inside the Directory?

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

1. Sussex Topography & Statistics: A detailed overview of the county in 1890, including geology, climate, and administrative information (Magistrates, County Council).
2. Court Directory (Private Residents): An alphabetical list of private residents, featuring the gentry, clergy, and prominent citizens of the county.
3. Town & Village Directory: Street-by-street and house-by-house listings for major towns and villages, including:
   • Brighton & Hove
   • Chichester
   • Hastings & St. Leonards
   • Eastbourne
   • Worthing
   • Lewes
   • And every hamlet in between.
4. Trades & Professions: A classified commercial directory allowing you to see exactly what your ancestors did for a living—from Blacksmiths and Bakers to Solicitors and Surveyors.
5. Advertisements: A fascinating collection of Victorian advertisements, offering insight into the products and services available at the time.

Famous Faces & Local History (1890 Context)

Sussex in 1890 was a hub of culture, royalty, and industry. While browsing these pages, you may encounter references to notable figures of the era or the locations associated with them:

• The Aristocracy: Look for listings related to The Duke of Richmond and Gordon at Goodwood House and The Duke of Norfolk at Arundel Castle, who were central figures in county society.
• Arts & Literature: This was the home of the Pre-Raphaelite movement. Aubrey Beardsley, the renowned illustrator, was born in Brighton in 1872 and would have been a teenager living in the city during this year.
• Sport: Sussex County Cricket Club was already well-established (formed in 1839). The directory contains listings for the cricket grounds and the professionals associated with the sport in Brighton and elsewhere.
• Industry & Economy: Beyond the booming seaside tourism in Brighton and Eastbourne, Sussex was an industrial powerhouse. You will find details on the Southdown Brewery in Brighton, the Sussex Iron Works in Lewes, and the heavy Gunpowder manufacturing in the villages around Battle and the Weald.

Map Disclaimer

Please note: Due to the age and fragility of the original source books, some maps may have been missing or too damaged to include in this scan. However, we have made every effort to preserve all available material. If the original map is present in this edition, consider it a fantastic bonus addition to your genealogy toolkit!

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

Start your journey into Sussex history today!