Kelly's Directory of Reading, Caversham & District 1939 - Wartime Census Substitute (Digital Download or CD)

Product Description

Unlock the history of your family in the eve of the Second World War.

This high-quality reproduction of Kelly's Directory of Reading, Caversham & District 1939 is an essential resource for genealogists and local historians. With the 1931 Census destroyed by fire during WWII and the 1941 Census cancelled due to the conflict, this directory serves as a vital "census substitute," bridging the gap between the 1921 and 1951 registers.

Published just as Britain was on the brink of war, this directory offers a fascinating snapshot of life in Reading and Caversham before the upheaval of the 1940s. Whether you are tracing ancestors who lived in the town or researching the local businesses that supported the community, this guide provides the details you need.

Navigation & Format

This directory is available as a Digital Download or on CD.

• Format: The directory is reproduced as searchable PDF files (Scanned Images).
• Searchability: While the original text is not embedded (meaning you cannot use CTRL+F to find a word instantly), the directory is alphabetically arranged by name and trade, making manual navigation straightforward and intuitive.
• Modern Tech: Most modern PDF readers (such as Adobe Acrobat) feature "OCR on the fly," allowing you to search the text once the file is open.

What’s Inside?

This comprehensive directory is divided into several key sections to help you in your research:

1. Street Directory: A comprehensive list of private residents and businesses arranged by street, helping you to identify exactly who lived next door to your ancestors.
2. Private Residents Directory: An alphabetical list of the head of households in the area. This is the most valuable section for family historians, acting as a partial census.
3. Commercial & Trade Directory: A classified list of professions and businesses. Find out if your ancestor was a baker, a brewer, or a boot maker, and see who they worked for.
4. Official & Clerical Directory: Listings of local government officials, clergy, medical officers, and public institutions.
5. Court & Postal Information: Details on local courts, post offices, and money order offices.

Local History & Context

Using this directory places your ancestors right in the heart of Reading’s rich industrial and social heritage.

• The "Three Bs": In 1939, Reading was still famous as the hub of the "Three Bs": Biscuits, Breweries, and Bulbs. Your ancestors may have worked for Huntley & Palmers (biscuits), Suttons Seeds (bulbs), or Simonds Brewery (beer).
• Sport: The town was home to Reading Football Club, who, in 1939, were playing in the Southern League as the Football League had been suspended due to the outbreak of war.
• Notable Residents: Reading has a long history of famous figures. While this was 1939, the town was the birthplace and home to historical literary giants such as Jane Austen (who attended the Abbey School) and Oscar Wilde (infamously connected to Reading Gaol, though he had passed away decades prior, the prison remained a major local landmark).
• Caversham: Across the River Thames, Caversham had only recently been incorporated into the county of Berkshire (having been part of Oxfordshire until 1911). It retained its distinct village atmosphere while serving as a leafy retreat for Reading's wealthier merchants.

Important Disclaimer

Please note that due to the age and condition of the original source material, some maps may be missing or damaged. Every effort has been made to ensure the highest quality reproduction of the available text.

Why Buy This Directory?

If you are researching family in Berkshire during the late 1930s, this is the definitive guide. It fills the void left by the missing census records and provides names, addresses, and occupations that are simply unavailable elsewhere.

System Requirements: Compatible with any computer or device capable of reading PDFs.