Kelly's Directory of Berkshire 1911 [Digital Download or CD]

Unlock the history of Berkshire in the Coronation year of King George V.

This high-quality reproduction of Kelly's Directory of Berkshire 1911 is an essential resource for genealogists, local historians, and anyone researching their family tree in the early 20th century. Whether your ancestors were shopkeepers in Reading, farmers in the Vale of the White Horse, or gentry in the shadows of Windsor Castle, this directory provides a fascinating snapshot of their lives.

Available as a Digital Download (sent via email) or on a CD, this directory has been digitally scanned from the original book.

Navigation & Searchability

Please Note: This publication consists of high-resolution scanned images of the original pages. It is not a text-searchable database in the traditional sense.

• Easy Navigation: Don't let the lack of text search worry you! Kelly’s Directories are meticulously organized alphabetically by place and by surname. Finding your specific town or ancestor is intuitive and fast using the bookmarks and index structure.
• Modern PDF OCR: While the file itself is an image scan, most modern PDF readers (such as Adobe Acrobat and browser viewers) now perform "OCR on the fly." This means you can often use the Ctrl+F (or Cmd+F) search function within your reader to highlight names, allowing for a flexible user experience.

What's Inside the Directory?

This comprehensive volume is divided into several distinct sections to help you pinpoint exactly what you need:

1. County Information:

   • A detailed history of Berkshire, including its geology, topography, and agriculture.
   • Official information on the Magistrates, the County Council, and the Parliamentary representation.
   • Lists of local officials, clergy, and public institutions.

2. Town & Street Directories:

   • Detailed listings for major towns such as Reading, Abingdon, Maidenhead, Newbury, Slough, and Windsor.
   • Street-by-street listings showing the head of the household and their trade (crucial for tracing who lived at a specific address).

3. Private Residents Directory:

   • An alphabetical list of the county’s private residents (the "gentry" and wealthier professionals). This is often the best place to find ancestors who did not run a business.

4. Commercial & Trades Directory:

   • A classified alphabetical list of trades. From bakers to blacksmiths, solicitors to seed merchants, you can see exactly who was running the local economy.

5. Court & Parliamentary Directory:

   • Information on the courts of justice and local governance structures.

Historical Context & Local Facts

Understanding the era of 1911 adds color to your research:

• The 1911 Census: This directory is the perfect companion to the 1911 Census. While the census gives you a snapshot of who was in the house on one night in April, the directory tells you who was there for the rest of the year and their business reputation. It helps bridge the gap between the 1901 and 1911 records.
• Royal Berkshire: 1911 was the year of King George V’s coronation. As the home of Windsor Castle, the directory reflects the importance of the Royal Family to the local economy, featuring numerous tradesmen supplying the Castle and the Royal Household.
• Industry & Employment: In 1911, Berkshire was a hub of diverse industries.
  • Reading was famous as the "Biscuit Town," dominated by Huntley & Palmers, which was the largest biscuit manufacturer in the world at the time. You will find many employees listed in the trades section.
  • Seed Growing: Suttons Seeds (based in Reading) was a major employer and global exporter.
• Sport: Reading Football Club (founded 1871) was playing in the Southern League Division One during this season. The directory lists the committee members and grounds staff, offering a unique link to early football history.
• Famous Residents: While the Royal Family are the most famous residents of Windsor, 1911 Berkshire was home to various figures of the era. The directories often list the residences of local MPs and notable figures of the shire, such as the Viscounts of local manors.

Important Disclaimer Regarding Maps

Please be aware that the original source book from which this scan was created may have had maps missing or removed prior to scanning. We have reproduced the book exactly as it was available to us. While the text descriptions of routes and boundaries are excellent, please do not purchase this item solely for the county or town maps.

System Requirements

• Any PDF reader (Adobe Acrobat recommended).
• Compatible with PC, Mac, and Tablet devices.