The first national series of trade directories was published by James Pigot between 1814 and 1853, after which the firm was taken over by Francis Kelly. The directory entry begins with brief notes on the history and topography of the parish. It then lists the “principal inhabitants” and arranges the names of professionals, businessmen and tradesmen in alphabetical order under the different occupations. In villages like Pirton, farmers, publicans and craftsmen are listed, but labourers and domestic servants are not.

The records in this database include Pigot’s 1832, Cassey’s 1864, Kelly’s 1850, 1855, 1878, 1886, 1890, 1895, 1898, 1902, 1912, 1929, 1935 and 1937.

Example from the Kellys Directory in 1910 page 1

Example from the Kellys Directory in 1910 page 2