Kelly's Directory Of Oxfordshire 1939

Kelly's Directory of Oxfordshire 1939

Imagine holding a snapshot of Oxfordshire as it stood in the long, hot summer of 1939. The world was on the brink of the Second World War, yet in the villages, market towns, and college quadrangles of Oxfordshire, life carried on with a familiar rhythm. This is the world captured in the pages of the Kelly's Directory of Oxfordshire 1939—an invaluable piece of social history and a treasure trove for researchers.

More than just a list of names and addresses, this directory is a doorway into the past. It preserves the final, full year of peacetime, documenting a county on the cusp of profound transformation. For genealogists, it’s the key to unlocking the lives of your ancestors, providing names, homes, and professions. For local historians, it’s a detailed map of the community, from the village postmaster to the county magistrate.

What you will discover within:

The People of Oxfordshire: Browse the Court Directory to find private residents, from the landed gentry in their country estates to the clerks in the city of Oxford.
The Heart of Commerce: Explore the Commercial & Trades Directory, a fascinating A-Z of every business, shop, and trade. Find out who sold the best bread, repaired your bicycle, or ran the local inn.
The Fabric of the County: Delve into the detailed descriptions of every town, village, and parish. Learn about the local churches, schools, landowners, and public services that defined daily life.
The Routes of Connection: Discover the intricate network of carriers, coaches, and later, bus services that connected the county's communities before the age of the motorway.
Who is this for?

Genealogists: Trace your family tree and place your ancestors in their historical context.
Local & House Historians: Research the history of your town, village, or even your own home.
Social Historians: Gain unparalleled insight into the social and economic structure of 1930s Britain.
Anyone with a Love for Oxfordshire: A captivating read for anyone who cherishes the county's rich heritage.