Ruddock's Directory of Lincoln City 1919 (Digital Download or CD)

Step back into the life of Lincoln just after the First World War.

This fascinating repertory offers a unique snapshot of the city as it transitioned from the war years into the Roaring Twenties. Whether you are tracing your family tree, researching house history, or interested in the social and industrial heritage of Lincoln, this directory is an indispensable addition to your collection.

Important Note on Format: This product is a high-quality digital reproduction of the original book. Because the source material is a scanned book of images, the text is not embedded (searchable) in the traditional sense. However, the directory is compiled alphabetically by surname and trade, making manual navigation straightforward and intuitive. Tip: Most modern PDF readers (such as Adobe Acrobat) now offer "Run OCR" features, allowing you to search the text on the fly if required.

Why you need this directory: The Census Gap Genealogists often face the frustration of the "Census Gap." The 1911 Census was the last widespread census until 1921. While the 1939 Register is available, the 1921 census was only released recently and the 1931 census was destroyed by fire. This 1919 directory sits perfectly in that timeline, helping you pinpoint exactly where your ancestors were living and what they were doing for a living just as the world changed forever.

What's Inside: A Detailed Breakdown

This comprehensive directory is divided into easy-to-use sections:

1. Street Directory: A comprehensive list of streets within Lincoln, with the head of households and trades listed house-by-house. Perfect for mapping out who lived next door to your ancestors.
2. Commercial & Trade Directory: An alphabetical list of trades and professions. From bakers to bankers, find out where your ancestors worked and who they did business with.
3. Private Residents Directory: An alphabetical list of the private citizens of Lincoln, often referred to as the "Court Directory." This section usually lists the more prominent residents and heads of households.
4. Official & Municipal Information: Detailed listings of the City Council, officials, magistrates, and public institutions. This gives context to the civic environment your ancestors lived in.
5. Advertisements: A nostalgic collection of contemporary ads for local shops, services, and products. These often provide visual context and hints about the cost of living and fashion of the era.

Lincoln in 1919: Context & Curiosities

To help you understand the world your ancestors inhabited, here are some interesting facts and figures relevant to Lincoln in 1919:

• Industrial Powerhouse: By 1919, Lincoln was renowned globally for engineering. The city was dominated by giants like Ruston, Proctor & Co. (later Ruston & Hornsby) and Clayton & Shuttleworth. If your ancestors were engineers, fitters, or laborers, they were likely part of the workforce that built the engines that powered the British Empire.
• The Railway City: Lincoln was a major railway junction. The Great Central Railway and the Manchester, Sheffield and Lincolnshire Railway shaped the city’s economy and demographics.
• Sporting Heritage: Lincoln City FC (The Imps) were playing in the Football League Second Division during this era. Checking the "Amusements" sections might reveal fixtures or references to the team's post-war recovery.
• Famous Sons & Daughters: While researching, keep an eye out for the families of famous figures associated with the city:
  • George Boole: The father of Boolean algebra was born in Lincoln in 1815. While he passed away long before 1919, his family legacy and institutions named after him may appear.
  • Alfred, Lord Tennyson: The Poet Laureate was born in Somersby, Lincolnshire, and is deeply associated with the county.
• Musical Legacy: The city had a vibrant musical scene, centered around the Theatre Royal and various assembly rooms, which would have been bustling with soldiers returning home and civilians celebrating the end of the war.

Map Disclaimer & Bonus Feature

Disclaimer: Please note that, due to the age and binding of the original source book, the original fold-out street maps were sometimes removed, damaged, or are missing from the archival copy used for scanning.

Bonus: However, we have inspected this specific scan. If the original map was present and intact, it has been included as a high-resolution image within this digital download/CD. (Note: If the scan lacks the map, remove this "Bonus" sentence or adjust it to "Check the preview for map availability").

Formats Available

• Digital Download: Instant access after purchase. No waiting for shipping.
• CD-ROM: A physical copy sent via post, perfect for those who prefer a tangible backup or have slow internet connections.

Order your copy of Ruddock's Directory of Lincoln City 1919 today and unlock the secrets of your Lincolnshire ancestry!