The Universal British Directory 1793 - 1798The promoters of the Universal British Directory were Peter Barfoot and John Wilkes - Peter Barfoot, the senior partner was a wealthy Lawyer who retired to live the life of a country gentleman near Droxford in Hampshire. (He probably financed the publication) whilst John Wilkes was a successful journalist and Printer and the proprietor of the Hampshire Cronicle between 1778-83 & 1791-95. He was granted a Royal Patent to produce the Universal British Directory and he dedicated the first part to George III in 1790.
In London, Wilkes employed paid researchers to gather the necessary information, but occasionally his agents cannibalised already published directories.
Of the 1600 towns and villages listed in the directory, over 1500 had never appeared before.
Sussex is covered by the following which are being transcribed and put on line at
www.rootschat.com/history/hastingsArundel
Done and on LineBattle
Done and on LineBrighthelmstone
Done and on Line Burwash
Done and on LineChichester
Done and on Line Crawley
Done and on LineCuckfield
Done and on Line Eastbourne
Done and on LineEast Grinstead
Done and on LineGoring, Ferring, Findon
Done and on Line Hastings
Done and on Line Horsham
Done and on LineLewes
Done and on LineLancing, Kingston
Done and on LineMidhurst
Done and on LinePortslade, Southwick
Done and on LinePetworth
Done and on LineRye
Done and on Line Shoreham
Done and on LineSteyning
Done and on LineSompting, Broadwater
Done and on Line Tarring, Patcham
Done and on LineWinchelsea
Done and on LineWorthing, Steen, Clapham
Done and on LineThat is 2843 extra Names On Line Over the next few days it is hoped to update this list and put more of Sussex 1793 - 1798 on line -
It is now complete and all On LineChris in 1066
