Genealogy Chat

Can anyone tell me if they've purchased any of the Pigots or Post Office Directories and found them helpfull. Do they only contain info relating to business's? My children have asked me if I would like some for Christmas, or cd's containing maps on areas of interest, but I don't know anything about any of them. My areas of interest are mainly Staffordshire and Cheshire. Are they worth buying? Which is the best? I'd really appreciate advice on this, Regards Lou

This is really a matter of personal opinion. You really need to see one to know if it is to your taste. Trade directories only list trades people. The street directories and post office directories do list residential details, but only as far as giving names of people who live there, and then only the head of the household. There is no age or place of birth, so their helpfulnes is a matter for the individual to determine.

First of all look on Historical Directories to see if they cover the areas you are interested in: www.historicaldirectories.org Even if they don't have a browse through some of the ones they do have to get a general idea of what sort of entries you would find in the directories. Kate.

Our local library has a few kellys Directories so you try your local library and see what they have. Star

Hi everyone, Thanks for responding and your comments. I will try the site mentioned, although so far it doesn't look as if I'd gain much information. Thanks once again for your comments. Regards Lou

The trade directories list tradesmen but if tour ancestor worked for someone else then they are unlikely to be listed. They might help you identify where they worked. Even the street directories don't list everyone. I believe you had to pay to be in them so many people did not think it was worth it. They can give useful bits of information on where people lived and worked. It is always good to see the name of an ancestor in print! There is also background information about the town and area, a bit of history, list of schools and other establishments, industry in the area... Martin

Not entirely true people......... Gores Trade Directories in some areas I know have 2 indexes-street index and an alphabetical list of head of household. Used in conjunction with the corresponding electoral role,Ive been able to track down many people after 1900,where other sources couldnt help. You could literally go to my local area with just a name......find a list of adresses that match that name,as long as that person is head of household,then check each adress in the electoral role for spouses.The adress can be checked in later issues to see when the head of household changes,thus indicating a death,if the wife is new head.

I bought Pigots 1840 for Oxfordshire expecting lots of my Grocer rellies to be in it..........Turned out only one name! lol However, they can give you a really good ''feel'' for what the towns and villages were like to live in....all those coach timetables and postal delivery times and things....may not help you with your tree as such, but still good. I would say probably don't get one that covers several counties (I've got three of those), as inevitably, fewer towns from each county will be included and the place you thought was quite big won't be in it! Merry

Hi Everyone, Thank you very much for all your input. You've certainly given me food for thought. I was thinking of asking for a CD that covered several counties but now I'll rethink that one again, good advice Merry thanks. I hadn't heard of Gores Trade Directories either, so thanks for that Alter! That could come in useful as some rellies had their own business's. All in all the advice and help you have all given me has been much appreciated and thanks for responding. Good hunting to you all Regards Lou

An exception to the rule about not getting one that covers several areas is the 'North Wales Directories 1818-1936' produced by the Clwyd FHS and Wrexham Museums. This is a must for anyone with any connections in North Wales and excellent value. There are 25 Directories on the CD-ROM. MB

Hi Martin, Thanks for that. I may need it in the future when I start on hubby's side. So again thank you for your input. Cheers Lou