Directories

Trade directories listing tradespeople and wealthier residents were first published in the later 18th century, but became more frequent, larger and more useful publications after 1850. There are 2 types: County and Town (sometimes called street) directories. 

County directories cover every town and village, and have lists of traders grouped by their trade, and usually numerous adverts, some illustrated. Kelly’s were the most prolific publisher of these, but there were other publishers too. Regional directories covering Sussex were published in the late 1830s by James Pigot and William Robson, after which Kelly’s series dominate from 1845 to 1899, and were issued every 3 or 4 years. 

Town or street directories are more detailed sources, listing around 10% (rather than 5%) of the relevant population, and including an extra section listing heads of household street by street. The following towns have Victorian street directories, with first year in brackets: Bognor (1900), Chichester (1870), East Grinstead (1883), Horsham (1881), Littlehampton (1871), Mid-Sussex (1879) and Worthing (1870).

You can view and order prints from all West Sussex directories at West Sussex Record Office and at Worthing Library. The following libraries have Sussex and street directories on microfiche for towns in their catchment area: Bognor Regis, Burgess Hill, Chichester, Crawley, East Grinstead, Horsham, Littlehampton and Shoreham.

'Local History Mini-Guide to Sources: No. 12 Directories in West Sussex' (West Sussex County Council, 2000) lists all directories in public hands plus further background information. It may be bought for £1.50 at any public library or at the West Sussex Record Office.

See also 'Local History Mini-Guide to Sources: No.14 Victorian West Sussex' (West Sussex County Council, 2002), which contains details of many more sources for further research and has sections on the home, school, church, leisure, work, industry and trade, town hall, railways and transport, plus book list and details of museum services. It may be bought for £2.50 at any public library, at the West Sussex Record Office, or order it online using our eshop (temporariliy unavailable).