Kelly's Directory Of Bromley Bickley Chislehurst & Orpington 1913

Kelly's Directory of Bromley Beckenham Chislehurst & Orpington 1913

Step back into the twilight of the Edwardian era with this remarkable piece of local history. Published in 1913, this directory offers an unparalleled, street-by-street snapshot of life in these thriving Kentish towns on the very cusp of the Great War. This is more than a book; it's a portal to a world of horse-drawn carts, bustling high streets, and a community structure about to be irrevocably altered.

For genealogists, it is the key to unlocking your ancestors' daily lives, revealing not just where they lived, but their trades and social standing. For local historians, it is a primary source document, painting a vivid picture of the commercial, civic, and social landscape of the period.

A Glimpse Inside:

Court Directory: A comprehensive list of the gentry, clergy, professionals, and local officials, providing insight into the influential figures of the day.
Commercial Directory: Meticulously detailed listings of traders and merchants, from the local blacksmith and grocer to the bank manager and hotel proprietor. Discover the shops that lined your high street over a century ago.
Street Directory: The heart of the volume. An alphabetical enumeration of streets, with the name and occupation of virtually every head of household. Trace the history of your house or find the exact address of your forebears.
Local Information: Invaluable data on post offices, churches, schools, transport connections (including the burgeoning railway lines), and public institutions.
Period Advertisements: Fascinating full-page and classified ads that offer a unique glimpse into the consumer goods, services, and aspirations of 1913.
This is an indispensable resource for anyone with family ties to the area, an interest in the history of suburban London, or a passion for the social fabric of pre-war Britain. Own a tangible piece of the past