The first Glasgow directory was published in 1783 by John Tait. This image is taken from a facsimile reprint published in 1871 by Robert Forrester. Page 72 lists arrivals and departures of mail at the Glasgow Post Office, in the early part of the week.
The details of arrivals and departures would be of interest to the professional and trades people listed, while potential customers outside the city would find it easier to make contacts in Glasgow. Later Glasgow directories would further emphasise the connection by taking the title Post Office Glasgow directory.
In 1783 mail from London was still being conveyed via Edinburgh, taking five days. This caused great irritation amongst Glasgow merchants, and one of the first tasks of the newly formed Glasgow Chamber of Commerce was to press for the introduction of a direct mail coach via Carlisle. This was finally achieved in 1788.
Reference: Mitchell Library, GC 914.14351
Reproduced with the permission of Glasgow City Council, Libraries Information and Learning
Keywords:
directories, family history, genealogy, Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, mail coaches, Post Office, Post Office Directory, postal services
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