Background
Trade Directories were produced from around 1800 (some
were a little earlier but limited in scope) to the 1970s,
and were similar to phone books, many of them listing
people by both trade and surname. From the 1860s onwards
they quite often have names and addresses of private
residents - quite apart from the entries in the commercial
section. They may help trace the address of a family, when
you know only the name. This then enables you to cross
check with other resources, such as electoral registers or
censuses.What do trade directories show?
Areas and dates covered
I have entries for a great many towns and areas in the
British Isles. A full list of places and years can be seen
in the Sources section.
|