TRADE DIRECTORIES

Trade directories such as this are a very useful source of information, providing details of principal inhabitants, trades people and other related and background information for towns and villages throughout the county. Although the earliest directories begin at the end of the 18th century, the first comprehensive directory for Staffordshire was published in 1834.

From 1854 trade directories for the whole of the county were published at four – yearly intervals until 1940. In addition some towns, such as Stafford, have separate series of directories for short periods of time.

The William Salt Library, Stafford, holds an excellent series of directories for the county, including some dating from before 1834. For details of opening hours and further information, please visit their web site, www.staffordshire.gov.uk/salt
Stoke on Trent City Archives and Local Studies also holds a very good series of directories for the county and for the City of Stoke on Trent. Information about opening hours can be found at www.staffordshire.gov.uk/archives