The first Rugby Almanack appears to have been published by Anthony Read, of Lawrence Sherriffe Street, Rugby, in 1854. It did not contain a local directory of traders or inhabitants, but did contain much local information. This was followed in 1855 by a similar publication, this time with the addition of a list of Gentry and Traders.
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Meanwhile, Thomas Rogers was serving his apprenticeship at the Tewkesbury Weekly Record, having received a semi-classical education at a private school in Brackley. On coming of age (21) in 1858 he entered into a partnership with Anthony Read in Little Church Street. At about the same time, the Rugby Gazette started publication.

The partnership did not last long and was dissolved by 1861, and both Read & Rogers continued to produce separate Almanacks for a few years. Rogers' Almanacks contained local information, and a directory of Gentry and Traders. However, in November 1865, Thomas Rogers sold his printing business to James Kenning. Kenning took on the publishing of The Rugby Gazette and continued to produced Almanacks and Directories until at least 1885, operating out of the same premises at 39 High Street and also the 'Gazette Office' in Lawrence Sherriffe Street. From 1886 onwards, the directory was published from the 'Midland Times Office'. .

Read continued producing his own Almanacks, without a directory, until at least 1867, but it seems that the competitive pressures from the two other Almanacks (Kenning and Taits) lead Anthony Read to abandon this venture. However, Read continued for some years after this as an agent for the Rugby Gazette, and also as a stationer and printer. .

In this compendium are 9 of Read & Rogers Almanacks and Directories from the period 1854 - 1867. Kindly loaned to the project by Warwickshire Libraries.

James Kenning was the publisher of one of the local newspapers, The Midlands Times. He also published this series of local directories for Rugby. Includes much local information, many adverts, some articles of local interest, and a directory for Rugby and the surrounding area. Kindly loaned to the project by Warwickshire County Libraries.

Initially, Tait & Sons published this Rugby Almanack, and also published the other local paper, The Rugby Advertiser. From 1877 on, Tait & Sons became Tait & Hopewell, and finally in the mid-1880's just Hopewell. By 1894 the Almanack was being published as The Rugby Advertiser Almanack, and continued under this name until well into the 20th century. The Almanack contains a local directory, local information and many advertisements. Kindly loaned to the project by Warwickshire County Libraries.

Continuation of the series of directories published by Tait & Sons. From 1894 the Almanack was published as The Rugby Advertiser Almanack, and continued under this name until well into the 20th century. The Almanack contains a local directory, local information and many advertisements. Kindly loaned to the project by Warwickshire County Libraries.

Continuation of the series of directories published by The Rugby Advertiser. Kindly loaned to the project by Warwickshire County Libraries.