Barrett's Directory Of Preston & District 1940

Barrett's Directory of Preston & District 1940

Unlock the door to wartime Preston with this fascinating and historically significant volume. The 1940 edition of Barrett's Directory is more than just a list of names and addresses; it's a priceless snapshot of a city and its people on the very brink of a world-changing conflict.

Published as the Phoney War gave way to the Battle of Britain and the Blitz, this directory captures a unique moment in history. Within its pages, you'll find the Preston of yesterday—its streets, its shops, its officials, and its residents—all standing at the threshold of immense change.

What's Inside?

This comprehensive directory is an essential resource for researchers and a captivating journey for anyone with a love for local history. It includes:

Alphabetical List of Private Residents: The core of the directory, perfect for genealogists looking to locate ancestors, discover their occupations, and see who their neighbours were.
Street-by-Street Directory: A complete guide to Preston's roads and lanes, allowing you to trace the history of a specific house or explore the layout of the town as it was in 1940.
Commercial & Trades Directory: A detailed classification of businesses and tradespeople, from the corner grocer to the major industrial employers. Discover what powered Preston's economy on the home front.
Official Information: Listings for local councils, churches, schools, hospitals, and public officials, providing a complete picture of the town's civic structure.
Period Advertisements: A charming collection of contemporary ads that showcase the products, services, and language of the era, offering a vivid glimpse into the daily life and consumer culture of 1940s Preston.
Who Is This For?

Family Historians & Genealogists: Trace your Preston roots and build a richer picture of your ancestors' lives.
Local Historians & Researchers: An invaluable primary source for studying the social and economic fabric of Preston during the early years of WWII.
Residents & Nostalgics: Reconnect with your past, find your childhood home, or simply lose yourself in the memories of a bygone era