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Directories
 Local
directories of 'principal inhabitants' (as they were called),
tradesmen and craftsmen, give useful information regarding the
social and economic fabric of a given community from the late
18th century onwards, and for the 19th century they are available
at increasingly frequent intervals. They are essentially products
of the Industrial Revolution and originated as guides to potential
customers, distributors and suppliers.
Layout
Directories often cover whole counties or
districts, but are usually broken down into individual towns
and villages. Information of 2 distinct types tends to be given:
- Historical: this includes brief topographical
surveys of specific localities, with particular attention given
to churches, charitable trusts and schools.
- Commercial: this may consist of:
- an alphabetical list of prominent local inhabitants, especially
those in business (with addresses and occupations).
- a classified list of trades and occupations in the community.
- details of local carriers, coaches and postal services.
- a list of local officials.
Use and reliability
Used in combination, directories indicate
how local towns and villages evolved and plot the rise and fall
of specific trades and industries. Care is needed, of course,
as these sources are often incomplete and sometimes omit substantial
tradesmen. Information is, moreover, sometimes inaccurate and
out of date. Nevertheless directories offer a fascinating insight
into the social and commercial life of a community and often
yield information in a form that cannot be easily acquired from
other sources.
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