Besley's Directory Of Exeter & Suburbs 1906

Besley's Directory of Exeter & Suburbs

Journey back over a century to the heart of the Edwardian era. This is not just a book; it's a portal to the Exeter of 1906. Besley's Directory of Exeter & Suburbs is an indispensable primary source and a fascinating snapshot of life in the city as King Edward VII reigned.

More than a simple list of names, this comprehensive directory provides a vivid, street-by-street portrait of a bustling cathedral city on the cusp of modernity. Within its pages, you will discover the people, places, and businesses that shaped daily life.

Inside, you will find:

A comprehensive Alphabetical Directory: Locate residents, tradesmen, and professionals, complete with their full names, occupations, and home or business addresses.
A detailed Street Directory: Take a virtual walk down the roads of Exeter as they stood in 1906, seeing who lived in each house and shop.
A classified Commercial Directory: Explore the vast array of businesses that formed the city's commercial backbone, from grand hotels to family-run grocers, from solicitors to stonemasons.
Essential Local Information: Find listings for public officials, council members, clergy, doctors, schools, post offices, and transport timetables.
Authentic Period Advertisements: Delight in charming and often surprising vintage ads that offer a unique glimpse into the products, services, and language of the time.
Who is this for?

The Genealogist: Trace your Exeter ancestors, discover their neighbours, and build a rich picture of their lives and livelihoods.
The Local Historian: An invaluable tool for researching the social and commercial development of Exeter, its suburbs, and its people.
The Homeowner: Uncover the history of your own house or street and see who lived there over a hundred years ago.
The Lover of History: A perfect conversation piece and a tangible connection to the past, offering hours of absorbing discovery