Trade Directories

The development of many small craftsmen and traders in the late 1700's led to the development of trade directories as a way of advertising their presence.

The availability quickly spread throughout the country with Firms like Kelly and co and Pigots providing regular issues of trade directories for Counties and Towns throughout the UK.

Local firms joined in to produce localised trade directories even for small towns and rural areas.

By the 1900's an increase in local newspapers and the advent of the telephone and with it the telephone directory led to the decline and eventual phasing out of trade directories.

Although the content varies from directory to directory most will contain an overview of the area with details of the geography, administration and lists of important people.

Individual Towns and villages are then listed with a location ,short history and current details.

This is followed by a list of prominent inhabitants followed by a list of tradesmen  and craftsmen..

Those included can vary from the  obvious blacksmith to the more unusual such as  the local rat catcher or the oysterman.

Not only do these list help provide details of ancestors by name but they paint a vivid picture of the community in which they lived.

Where can I find trade directories ? 

Leicester University received funding to digitalise some trade directories.

These are available for reading or searching online free of charge at the Historical Directories site.

Many libraries and Country Records Offices will have copies of the original books although most are held in secure areas and you may need to make prior arrangements to use one.

Original books are available at antique book sellers although they are usually very expensive.

Several commercial companies have digitalised Trade Directories making them available on CD rom.