Kelly's Directory of Peterborough 1969 - Digital Download or CD

Discover your roots and explore the history of Peterborough with this complete facsimile reproduction of the 1969 Kelly’s Directory.

An essential resource for genealogists and local historians, this directory offers a fascinating snapshot of life in Peterborough during a pivotal year of the city's development. Whether you are tracing family trees or researching the social history of the area, this directory provides the details you need.

Navigating the Directory

This directory is a high-quality scan of the original book, consisting of digitized images (PDF format). While the text itself is not embedded (making it a direct image of the vintage pages), the directory is alphabetically organized, making it incredibly easy to navigate by street, name, or trade.

Tech Tip: Although this is a scanned image, most modern PDF readers (such as Adobe Acrobat) utilize "OCR on the fly." This means you can often use the search function in your viewer to find specific surnames or street names, combining the authenticity of the original page with the convenience of modern technology.

Why You Need This Directory: Bridging the Census Gaps

For genealogists, the mid-20th century presents a unique challenge. The 1931 Census was destroyed in the war, the 1941 Census was never taken due to WWII, and the 1961 Census records are not yet public. The 1971 Census remains closed. This makes the 1969 Kelly’s Directory an invaluable tool for bridging that 40-year gap, helping you pinpoint family members between the 1939 Register and the 1981 Census.

What's Inside?

This comprehensive volume is divided into detailed sections to aid your research:

• Street Directory: A complete listing of the streets in Peterborough and the head of households or businesses occupying each address in 1969.
• Commercial Directory: An alphabetical list of private residents (tradesmen and professionals).
• Classified Trades Directory: Businesses listed by trade (e.g., Bakers, Builders, Grocers), perfect for understanding the local economy.
• Official Directory: Listings for local government, councils, public officials, churches, and institutions.
• Court Directory: Information on the local gentry, nobility, and clergy of the era.
• Surrounding Districts: Included are directories for the neighbouring villages and towns within the Peterborough administrative area, such as Eye, Thorney, and Werrington.

Peterborough in 1969: Historical Context & Famous Residents

This edition captures Peterborough at the dawn of a new era. In 1967, Peterborough was designated a "New Town," setting the stage for massive expansion. By 1969, the city was buzzing with development and an influx of new residents, a momentum clearly reflected in the growing number of trades and addresses listed in this volume.

Local Industry & Economy The directory is dominated by the industrial giants that defined the city. Look out for references to the massive Perkins Engines complex, a major employer in the area. You will also find numerous entries related to the Peterborough Brick Company and the British Sugar Corporation, whose factory just outside the city was a landmark of the skyline.

Sport & Leisure 1969 was a time of passion for sport. You will find references to London Road (the home of Peterborough United FC), known to fans as "The Posh." The late 60s were a golden era for the club's supporters, and you may find local businesses advertising their support on match days.

Notable People

• John Major: While the former Prime Minister was born in 1943 and would have been 26 in 1969, his family roots were deeply embedded in the area. His father, Thomas Major, was a circus performer and garden ornament manufacturer. While the younger John had left for London by this time, the directory may still hold records of the wider Major family connections or the trades associated with his father's business landscape.
• Local Civic Leaders: Discover the names of the Mayors and Councillors who were responsible for steering the city through the early years of the New Town expansion.

Important Disclaimer

Please note that due to the age and condition of the original source book, some pages may show signs of wear or fading. Additionally, the original map pages may have been missing from the publication; as such, we cannot guarantee that maps are included in this specific reproduction.