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Companies such as Kelly's published Trade
Directories from the late eighteenth century to the middle of the twentieth.
They were the Yellow Pages of their day. Their main purpose was to list
businesses and business people as an aid to commercial travellers who
journeyed from place to place to sell their goods.
Representatives of the company visited homes and businesses inviting
people to advertise in their directory. Even very small concerns were
included although, as a fee was charged, not everyone chose to participate.
Some companies, such as Kelly's were more reliable than others.
Directories also listed general information including details of postal
services, transport and public institutions such as schools. Most included
potted histories and descriptions of the towns and villages they covered.
They were organised by county but large towns and cities often had their
own directories. Lists were compiled alphabetically by name, street,
business, trade or profession. |