Allen & Morton's West-London Directory for 1867

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

51104

Title

Allen & Morton's West-London Directory for 1867

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

A comprehensive directory for West London in 1867, this volume serves as an essential guide to the district's residents, businesses, and institutions. Compiled by Allen & Morton, it offers detailed listings of tradespeople, addresses, and public officials across Kensington, Paddington, and surrounding areas. Featuring a specially drawn map and extensive street indexes, the book reflects the rapid growth of the locality while providing practical information for families, merchants, and travelers navigating the region's expanding urban landscape.

Summary up to 500 words

Allen & Morton's West-London Directory for 1867 stands as a meticulously compiled historical record of a rapidly developing district in London. Unlike previous editions, this volume is not a reprint but the result of a fresh canvassing of townships within several miles of the city center. The compilers explicitly state that their work contains two-thirds more streets, crescents, terraces, and places than any prior publication for the area, reflecting the significant expansion of West London during the mid-Victorian era. The directory serves as a comprehensive guide to the district's inhabitants and commercial enterprises. It features alphabetical listings of residents categorized by trade, including grocers, chemists, builders, manufacturers, and professionals such as dentists and surgeons. Beyond residential data, the text provides essential civic information, including lists of public officials, police courts, postal regulations, cab fares, and census data. Notable institutions featured include the Royal College of Physicians, the South Kensington Museum, the Royal Horticultural Society, and various hospitals. The preface reveals the financial realities behind the publication's creation. The proprietors faced a dilemma: publishing a high-quality directory at a low price would result in a substantial loss. Consequently, they resolved to charge 2s. 6d. per copy rather than the anticipated one shilling, a decision that ultimately led to the work's success through subscriber support and advertising revenue. The compilers acknowledge delays in publication, attributing them to the necessary rewrites required to achieve a correct alphabetical arrangement and to ensure accuracy despite unforeseen difficulties. The directory captures the commercial vibrancy of the era through its inclusion of advertisements for local businesses. These range from tea merchants like F.W. Fricker and J. Grice, who promoted their 'best and cheapest' teas and foreign wines, to manufacturers of sewing machines, fire safety apparatus, electro-plated cutlery, and perfumes. The text also lists auctioneers, assurance companies, and various artisans, painting a vivid picture of the economic landscape. Ultimately, Allen & Morton's West-London Directory for 1867 is more than a simple address book; it is a vital snapshot of mid-Victorian society. It documents the transition of a rising locality into a bustling urban center, preserving the names of families, the layout of new streets, and the diverse array of trades that defined the district's economy and community life.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Directories