Kelly's Directory Of Balham Tooting & Merton 1921

Kelly's Directory of Balham, Tooting & Merton

Imagine the streets of South London in 1921. The Great War is a recent memory, and a new, modern world is beginning to emerge. The trams rattle down Balham High Road, the shops of Tooting are bustling, and the quiet streets of Merton are coming home to peace. Now, you can walk those streets yourself.

This is not just a book; it is a time capsule. Kelly's Directory of Balham, Tooting & Merton for 1921 is your definitive guide to the people and places that shaped this vibrant corner of London a century ago. It offers an unparalleled, ground-level view of life between the wars.

What Treasures Await Inside?

A Complete Census of the Community: Discover who lived at every address. The street-by-street directory lists the head of each household, often with their trade or profession, allowing you to build a vivid picture of the local social fabric.
The Commercial Heartbeat of the Town: From the family-run grocer to the master builder, the commercial directory lists every trade and profession. Find out what businesses lined your street and who ran them.
The People of Influence: An alphabetical listing of private residents and a directory of officials, clergy, doctors, and other professionals provide insight into the formal structure of the community.
A Window into Daily Life: The pages are filled with authentic advertisements for everything from patent medicines to motor cars, offering a charming and revealing look at the aspirations and necessities of the time.
Who Will Find This Directory Invaluable?

The Family Historian: Pinpoint your ancestors' homes, learn their occupations, and understand the neighbourhood they knew.
The House Historian: Trace the history of your property and uncover the stories of the people who lived within its walls before you.
The Local Historian: Map the commercial and residential development of Balham, Tooting, and Merton at a pivotal moment in their history.
The Curious Nostalgist: Reconnect with the past and experience the charm and character of a bygone era