Kelly's Directory Of Essex 1914

Kelly's Directory of Essex 1914 - A Portrait of a County on the Eve of War

Imagine Essex in the long, hot summer of 1914. It is the twilight of the Edwardian era, a world of horse-drawn carts, bustling market towns, and quiet country villages, poised on the brink of unimaginable change. Now, you can walk the streets of that bygone age with this definitive guide: Kelly's Directory of Essex 1914. More than just a list of names and addresses, this is a time capsule, offering a fascinating and detailed snapshot of life in the county as it was before the Great War.

What You'll Discover Inside:
This indispensable volume is a treasure trove for researchers and history enthusiasts, packed with invaluable information, including:

Private Residents Directory: The key to unlocking your family history. Find your Essex ancestors by name, from the grandest landowner to the humblest resident, and discover the street where they lived.
Commercial & Trades Directory: Explore the commercial heart of the county. A comprehensive, classified list of every tradesman, shopkeeper, and professional—from blacksmiths and bakers to solicitors and doctors—revealing the local economy and your ancestors' occupations.
Court Directory & Local Officials: Understand the structure of local society. Discover the names of the gentry, clergy, magistrates, and council members who shaped the county.
Town and Village Histories: Gain rich context with detailed descriptions of Essex's major towns and hundreds of villages, including their history, landmarks, transport links, and public facilities.
Authentic Advertisements: Be transported back in time by the period advertisements, showcasing the products, services, and aspirations of the Edwardian consumer.
Street Maps & Plans: Navigate the towns of 1914 Essex with included maps, allowing you to literally place your family or house of interest on the map.
Who Is This For?

The Family Historian: Trace your Essex lineage and build a vivid picture of your ancestors' daily lives.
The Local History Enthusiast: Uncover the forgotten stories of your town or village and understand its development.
The House Historian: Research the previous occupants of your home and discover its history.
The Author & Academic: An essential primary source for anyone writing about or studying the social and commercial history of pre-WWI Britain.
Why the 1914 Edition is Special:
This edition captures a unique moment in history. It is the final record of a world that was about to be irrevocably altered. For countless families and businesses listed within these pages, life in 1914 would be their last full year of peace