Melville and Co.'s Directory and Gazetteer of Norwich, Yarmouth, Dereham, Swaffham, Wymondham, Fakenham, Thetford, Attleborough, Aylsham, Diss, Reepham, Foulsham, Hingham, &c.; Ipswich, Bury St. Edmund's, Woodbridge, Lowestoft, Beccles, Bungay, Halesworth, Eye, Stowmarket, Needham Market, &c. [1856]

A mid‑nineteenth‑century directory and gazetteer, this volume surveys dozens of towns and villages across Norfolk and Suffolk, from Norwich and Yarmouth to the smaller hamlets of Reepham and Hingham. Each entry begins with a concise, lively description of the place’s geography, history, and notable landmarks, followed by a systematic listing of residents, tradespeople, public offices and institutions. The work captures the rhythm of Victorian market days, the layout of streets, and the everyday commerce that defined these communities. Its meticulous organization reflects the dedication of the publishers and the contributions of local subscribers who supplied the information.

For genealogists, local historians, or anyone curious about life in 1850s East Anglia, the book offers a rare snapshot of a bustling, health‑conscious Norwich and the surrounding countryside. The blend of narrative observation and exhaustive directory entries makes it both an informative reference and an evocative portrait of a region on the cusp of modernity. Listeners will feel as though they are strolling through historic market squares while hearing the names and occupations that once filled them.