Hi Lawrence et al, (Not sure if this will get to the list, as I have changed my default email). The historical directories site is brilliant, and here are a few tips for using it. You must use Internet Explorer (as this does not work properly for all other browsers). I tend to search by location, e.g. Essex; which lists the eight entries. Select an entry by using the Directory button, and you can then browse through it by random page number, I tend to be looking for the beer retailers and publicans sections. Once you find a page, use the create a pdf rather than save the basic page, as this is a whole lot better as far as quality of content, then save this pdf file. PDF files open in acrobat reader, in case you do not own a copy, this is freely available to download from the web. You can just search through the whole site by a name, but I find this quite a task, and am usually interested in a few pages from each directory, rather than a particular named person. It's a great site, and although they are no longer adding to the site, it is worth regular repeat visits to see what has been missed on previous visits. Best Kevan -----Original Message----- From: essex-uk-bounces@rootsweb.com [mailto:essex-uk-bounces@rootsweb.com] On Behalf Of La Greenall Sent: 07 November 2008 22:40 To: essex-uk@rootsweb.com Subject: [Ess] History of Walthamstow - was Historical Directories I note that they don't just have directories - they have a digitised copy of Shillinglaw's 1861 History of Walthamstow online too! Essential for anyone with roots or interests there. It's at the end of the list on this page: http://www.historicaldirectories.org/hd/b1.asp Lawrence of the message

Hi Kevan. Thanks for the insights. I have to agree with Ann Chambers, though I've only tried Firefox - no apparent issues. I'm saddened to hear you say that they aren't adding to the database any more; I presume it's because they've achieved their basic brief. If so, then they're being very unadventurous - there's little point in opening a door by a crack to peep through, and then wander off, leaving it ajar. Doors are meant to be walked through. But it's still a good site. Lawrence -----Original Message----- From: Kevan [mailto:kevan@pubsgen.com] Sent: 07 November 2008 23:26 To: 'La Greenall'; essex-uk@rootsweb.com Subject: RE: [Ess] History of Walthamstow - was Historical Directories Hi Lawrence et al, (Not sure if this will get to the list, as I have changed my default email). The historical directories site is brilliant, and here are a few tips for using it. <snip> It's a great site, and although they are no longer adding to the site, it is worth regular repeat visits to see what has been missed on previous visits. Best Kevan No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG. Version: 7.5.549 / Virus Database: 270.8.6/1766 - Release Date: 04/11/2008 08:26