THE pages are dog-eared, dry and crumbly but between the tattered red binding is a rare and fascinating insight to everyday Hampshire people 160 years ago.

It was in 1855 that the third edition of the Post Office directory of Hampshire was published and, unlike the Kelly’s street directory which came later, the earlier book did not list residents and roads but just those people considered to be “Gentry”.

Then in another section there is a list of “Traders”.

Among the everyday businesses, such as bakers, butchers and ironmongers, there are also listed some more unusual trades that have long since disappeared.

In 1855 there was at least one barometer-maker in Bugle Street, a “bird and beast stuffer” in Manchester Street and a cheesemonger could be found in East Street.

At 19 Hanover Buildings a cork manufacturer plied his trade, while in Cannon Street, Winchester, a cricket bat, ball and stump maker was open for business while anyone looking for a grindery dealer, a seller of leather workers’ materials and tools, was spoilt for choice with 42 spread across the county.

Portswood could boast being home to a fellmonger, someone who removes the wool from sheep-skins, a japanner, an expert in Japanese varnishing, was based in Orchard Street, and four ginger beer manufacturers were in the High Street and St. Mary Street.

Daily Echo: The Bargate and High Street, pictured in the 1900s 

Straw bonnet makers, sugar boilers, a tripe dresser, truss makers, a comb maker, bath chair owners, a fossil dealer, stone cutters and gem polishers known as lapidaries, together with a mustard maker all appear in the directory.

“The town itself is beautifully situated on a peninsular tract of ground, rising with gradual ascent from the north-eastern shore of the Southampton Water while the approach from the London road, through an avenue of stately elms, and a well-built suburb, is striking,” said the Post Office directory.

“Southampton, which for a long period was only classed as one of the watering-places of England, is now rapidly approaching to the position of one of the first maritime ports in Great Britain.

“The Corporation has lately purchased some common fields in the heart of the town. These have been planted and laid out for ornamental purposes."