Kelly's Directory Of Birmingham & Smethwick 1915

Kelly's Directory of Birmingham & Smethwick, 1915

Imagine the clang of the foundries, the bustle of the markets, and the quiet anxiety of a city at war. The year is 1915. The "Workshop of the World" is mobilising its immense resources for the Great War, and life in Birmingham and Smethwick is changing forever. Now, you can hold a vivid snapshot of this pivotal moment in history in your hands.

This meticulously reproduced edition of Kelly's Directory is more than just a book; it's a time machine. It offers an unparalleled, street-level view of the communities, characters, and commerce that defined the West Midlands at the dawn of the modern era.

A Treasure Trove of Historical Information Awaits:

For the Family Historian: Bridge the gap between the 1911 and 1921 censuses. Locate your ancestors by name, discover their professions, and see the exact house they lived in. Walk the same streets they did, neighbour by neighbour.
For the Local Historian: Map the urban landscape. Identify long-lost pubs, forgotten factories, and the headquarters of major firms. Understand the social and commercial anatomy of Birmingham and its vital neighbour, Smethwick.
For the House Historian: Trace the history of your property. Find out who lived there in 1915, what they did for a living, and what the neighbourhood was like over a century ago.
Inside this Volume, You Will Discover:

Court & Private Residents: An alphabetical list of thousands of individuals, their addresses, and their trades.
Commercial & Trades Directory: A complete classified listing of every type of business, from brass founders and button makers to physicians and provisions dealers.
Street Directory: A house-by-house, street-by-street guide to both towns, perfect for building a detailed picture of a specific area.
Official Information: Details on the Corporation, police, hospitals, churches, schools, and transport links.
Authentic Advertisements: Beautifully preserved ads that offer a fascinating glimpse into the products, language, and aspirations of the Edwardian era.
Whether you are tracing your family tree, researching the history of your community, or simply captivated by the past, the 1915 Kelly's Directory is your essential key to unlocking the stories of Birmingham and Smethwick.

Add this invaluable piece of history to your collection and discover the world your ancestors knew.