Kelly's Directory Of Oxfordshire 1931

Kelly's Directory of Oxfordshire, 1931: A Portrait of a County on the Cusp of Change

Imagine the roar of a motor car on a country lane, the clang of the blacksmith's hammer in a Cotswold village, and the quiet scholarly hum of Oxford's colleges. This was Oxfordshire in 1931—a world balancing tradition and modernity, caught between the shadows of one world war and the gathering storm of another.

The Kelly's Directory is your key to this lost world. An unparalleled primary source, it meticulously documents the fabric of everyday life, making it an priceless resource for the serious researcher and the curious enthusiast alike.

What secrets will you uncover within its pages?

For the Genealogist: Trace your Oxfordshire ancestors. Pinpoint where they lived, who their neighbours were, and their likely professions. Cross-reference names with the commercial directory to build a richer picture of their daily lives.
For the Local Historian: Reconstruct the high street of your town or village. Discover which shops thrived, who ran the local pub, and how the community was structured through its churches, schools, and council officials.
For the Social Historian: Gain invaluable insight into the interwar period. See the impact of new technologies, the resilience of traditional trades, and the aspirations of a society reflected in its contemporary advertisements.
For the House Historian: Uncover the history of your property. Find out who lived there in 1931 and what their lives were like.