Early Trade Directories

[sindylin]

Does anyone know how far back the trade directories go and which one it was?

The earliest I have found access to so far is Pigots for 1839 but I really need to go back 10-15 years, perhaps even to 1819 or so.

My local library only goes back as far as 1850's.

thanks
sindylin

[Peter Goodey]

There were annual directories for London from 1734 and one was even published in 1677. However, in general, directories for most cities date from the start of the 19th century; smaller towns and rural areas correspondingly later.

County Record Offices often have a decent collection for their area. Perhaps if you mentioned what region you're looking for?

[sindylin]

I am looking for Surrey and sussex around 1816-1839

Thanks
sindylin

[Neil Wilson]

Sindylin
the early trade directories online can be seen at http://www.historicaldirectories.org/hd/b1.asp
but then, there is alway Parish Chest :)

[Jan1954]

I have a CD of Pigot's Directory of Sussex 1823-4.

What are you after?

[sindylin]

Hi Jan,

I am trying to find the whereabouts of Simeon Shaw, he was born in Nuthurst in 1800 but moved to Reigate in Surrey sometime before 1830.

He was a blacksmith and wheelwright.
sindylin

[Jan1954]

Nope - not in Sussex in 1823/4, unless he was working for someone and then he wouldn't be listed.

Maybe he'd already legged it to the next county.

Sorry I was unable to help.:(

[sindylin]

Jan

Many thanks for looking. All very strange.

He married first time round in 1821 in Warnham, first child was born in 1823, wife died in 1823/4. He remarried in 1825 and had subsequent children first one of whom was born in Horsham, sussex in 1826..maybe they were visiting at the time?????? The rest from 1829 onwards were born in Reigate. hmmm....... can't quite pin point the time when he moved!!

[Jan1954]

It may well be that he was still working in Warnham - it's not one of the towns listed, although Horsham up the road is.

[sindylin]

I think listings for both Nuthurst and Warnham come under Horsham, they did in the directory I looked at.

Horsham is the major town in that area and Nuthurst is a tiny little village...blink and you'd miss it, so doubt whether it would be listed alone. I guess warnham is too.