Thrapston  – Pigot’s National Commercial Directory 1830

Introduction

The leaflet, accessible below, is a direct translation of the directory and so reflects the presentation styles of that period.

There is a description of the town, its geographical location, and the importance of the River Nen, which is navigable to Lynn, for export of grain and import of groceries, timber and coal.

The only manufacture in the town is of whips, and thread lace, with a paper mill, and other mills for grinding corn on the river. Mention is also made of the local stone-quarries.

Information about the markets and fairs held in the town suggests that Thrapston was an important site within the county at this time.

 Local People

As with other directories of this period a list of the nobility, gentry and clergy in the town is given together with the owners of the small number of private schools.

There is footnote suggesting that no one famous was living in Thrapston at the time.!!

Businesses

The list of the businesses running in the town includes a huge range in alphabetical order from Attorneys to Wine and Spirits Merchants, including surgeons, brewers, tea dealers and straw hat makers to name but a few. Names and addresses are included, and each category has at least two different establishments mentioned.

There is a ‘Miscellaneous’ section that includes other small business but it is odd that they are not included in the main list.

Transport

Travellers had a choice of destinations by coach, depending upon the day of the week. Leaving the hotels in Thrapston, coaches passed through many local destinations before reaching their final destination, which included London. It was also possible to return on the same day with some coaches. Goods were carried by wagons operated by established carriers. They had regular routes both locally and to London, operating on specific days.

(Summary prepared by Sheena Dickenson)

A copy of the leaflet can be viewed by clicking on the link below.