Directories are invaluable to the local historian for information about the commercial and social life of the county. The development of an area or its decline can be studied using the evidence found in a ‘run’ of directories but should be supplemented by other sources of information such as newspapers and census returns.

Directories began to appear in the latter part of the 17th century to meet the needs of the developing business community but it wasn’t until the middle of the 18th century that the publication of commercial directories rapidly expanded. The first directory to be published in Lincolnshire was by William White in 1826 and the last was published by Kelly’s in 1937. Directories usually cover a city, county or group of counties and featured every few years rather than annually.

Three of the Lincolnshire directories are now accessible within this website including:

1. History, Gazetteer & Directory of Lincolnshire, White 1842
2. Whites Lincolnshire Directory 1892
3. The Directory of Lincoln City 1905

It can be searched using any keyword you choose. Responses will have your keyword highlighted to help you find it more easily.

To search for a keyword, click on the Search Collection(s) button above. Alternatively, you may wish to simply browse this fascinating historical resource by clicking on the link below.