As a guide to the varied extent of business transacted in Manchester at the end of the century, much information may be gleaned from the local directories which were published from time to time, between 1772 and 1800. The first directory, prepared by Mrs. Elizabeth Raffald, appeared in 1772, and contained a list of all the merchants, tradesmen, and principal inhabitants, "with the situation of their respective warehouses"; also a list of stage-coaches, waggons, carriers, and vessels to Liverpool "upon the old navigation and Duke of Bridgewater's Canal." There were 119 country manufacturers having warehouses in Manchester. The coaches went to London in two days during the summer, but in winter they required one day more. Coaches also went to all the surrounding districts; in some cases once a week, in others thrice. Twenty-one vessels went to Liverpool by the Mersey and Irwell navigation ("the old navigation"), and eleven by the Duke of Bridgewater's Canal. Manchester had then one bank and one insurance office. Passing over a quarter of a century to 1797, the directory of that year gives about 5,600 names, many of whom are engaged in trades not mentioned in the earlier list, such as twist manufacturers, cotton-spinners, cotton-merchants, bleachers, and printers. The list of country manufacturers and others who attended the Manchester market gives the names of 332 individuals or firms. The names of the officers of the Infirmary and the magistrates acting in the Manchester, Rochdale, Middleton, and Bolton divisions of Salford Hundred are also furnished. The coach-service had considerably improved, as we now find that the Royal Mail, "with a guard all the way," left Manchester every morning, and reached London in twenty-eight hours, the fare being £3 13s. 6d.