Kelly's Directory Of Somersetshire 1914

Kelly's Directory of Somersetshire 1914: A Snapshot of England on the Brink of Change

Step back in time to the long, golden summer of 1914. Imagine a Somerset of horse-drawn carts bustling through Taunton, the quiet grandeur of Wells Cathedral, and the rural tranquility of the Levels, a world seemingly unchanged for centuries. This is the world captured in exquisite detail within the pages of Kelly's Directory of Somersetshire, 1914.

This isn't just a book of names; it's a time capsule. It is the definitive record of the county as it stood on the very eve of the Great War—a world about to be irrevocably altered. For anyone with family ties to Somerset or a passion for local history, this directory is an indispensable key to unlocking the past.

What treasures will you discover inside?

Comprehensive Residents & Trades Directory: Find your ancestors! Uncover the names, addresses, and occupations of thousands of residents, from the local blacksmith and shopkeeper to the village schoolteacher. Trace the commercial landscape of every major town and village.
The County's Gentry & Officials: Explore the Court Directory, which lists the county's landowners, professionals, clergy, and public officials, offering a fascinating glimpse into the social hierarchy of Edwardian England.
Detailed Town & Village Histories: More than just a list, the directory provides contemporary descriptions of the history, topography, and principal landmarks of every parish, from the Roman origins of Bath to the mystical significance of Glastonbury Tor.
Essential Local Information: Discover practical details of the era, including postal services, railway connections, carriers' routes, and listings for schools, churches, hospitals, and public institutions.
Contemporary Maps & Advertisements: Navigate the county as it was, with period maps and enjoy the charming, often elaborate, advertisements for local businesses, providing a rich and colourful context for daily life.
Who will find this directory invaluable?

The Family Historian: Break down your genealogy brick walls. Go beyond names and dates to understand where your ancestors lived, their community, and their livelihood.
The Local History Enthusiast: Build a vivid picture of your town or village's past. Research the evolution of local industries, architecture, and society.
The House Detective: Uncover the history of your home or street by tracing its occupants and their professions over a century ago.
The Author & Researcher: Gain authentic, detailed insight into the language, customs, and daily realities of pre-WWI England for your writing or academic work.
Why the 1914 Edition is So Special:

This edition marks the end of an era. It is the last complete record of a generation of young men before they went to war, and of a social structure that would be shattered by the conflict. Holding this directory is like holding the final, peaceful chapter of a story before the world changed forever.