Kelly's Directory Of Birmingham & Smethwick 1908

Kelly's Directory of Birmingham & Smethwick 1908: A Window into Edwardian Life

Step back in time to the heart of the Industrial Revolution. This is not just a book; it's a time capsule. The 1908 edition of Kelly's Directory for Birmingham and Smethwick offers an unparalleled, street-by-street view of one of Britain's most dynamic cities at the zenith of its Edwardian prosperity.

Imagine the bustling High Street, the clang of the workshop, and the hum of trams on the cobbled roads. Within these pages, you will find the world your ancestors knew. Whether you are tracing your family tree, researching the history of your home, or exploring the social and commercial fabric of the past, this directory is your definitive guide.

Inside this invaluable volume, you will discover:

Court Directory: An alphabetical list of private residents, revealing their names, occupations, and home addresses. The key to unlocking family stories.
Commercial & Trade Directory: A comprehensive, classified list of local businesses and tradesmen. See who made the chocolate, who stitched the boots, and who ran the local pubs.
Street Directory: A complete listing of streets, with the head of each household named for every address. Perfect for house historians and for visualising the community of a neighbourhood.
Official Information: Details of civic officials, magistrates, clergy, doctors, and public institutions, painting a picture of the city's structure and governance.
Fascinating Advertisements & Maps: Original period ads promoting everything from corsets to carriages, alongside maps that help you navigate the Birmingham of 1908.
Who is this for?

The Family Historian: Find your Birmingham and Smethwick ancestors and learn about their daily lives and livelihoods.
The Local Historian: Research the evolution of your area, its prominent citizens, and its industrial landscape.
The House Owner: Uncover the history of your property and discover who lived there before you.
The Genealogist: An essential primary source to corroborate census data and fill in the gaps between 1901 and 1911.
This is more than a directory; it's a key to the past. Add this essential historical resource to your collection and bring the world of 1908 Birmingham to life.