Kelly's Directory Of Suffolk 1937

Kelly's Directory of Suffolk 1937 – The Essential 1931 Census Substitute

Product Description:

Unlock the history of your Suffolk ancestors with this comprehensive digital reproduction of the 1937 Kelly’s Directory. As genealogists know, the 1931 Census for England and Wales was destroyed by fire during WWII, and no census was taken in 1941 due to the conflict. This makes the 1937 Directory an invaluable "Census Substitute," bridging the 20-year gap between the 1921 Census and the 1951 Register.

Whether you are tracing family lines, researching local history, or exploring the social landscape of interwar Suffolk, this directory provides a snapshot in time just before the outbreak of WWII.

Navigation & Format: This directory is available as a high-quality Digital Download or on CD-ROM.

• Format: The directory consists of scanned images of the original pages, preserving the authenticity and layout of the 1937 text.
• Searchability: While the book is not text-searchable in the traditional sense, the alphabetical arrangement of names and trades makes manual navigation straightforward. Furthermore, most modern PDF readers (such as Adobe Acrobat or Edge) offer OCR (Optical Character Recognition) on the fly, allowing you to search the text using the "Find" function once the file is loaded.

What’s Inside: A Section-by-Section Breakdown

1. County Calendar & Court Directory: Contains essential information for the period, including the Lords Lieutenant, Sheriff, Magistrates, and Clergy. This section details the administrative machinery of Suffolk, listing public officials and members of the county council.

2. Topographical & Street Directory: A detailed survey of the towns and villages. From the bustling port of Ipswich to the historic market town of Bury St Edmunds, and the coastal resorts of Lowestoft and Felixstowe. Each locale features descriptions of local history, transport links, churches, and institutions, followed by a private residents’ directory and a street-by-street listing of householders.

3. Private Residents Directory: An alphabetical list of the county's gentry, professionals, and private citizens. This is often the most valuable section for family historians, allowing you to pinpoint exactly where your ancestors lived and their social standing.

4. Trades & Professional Directory: A classified commercial directory. Find out what your ancestors did for a living! Browse through thousands of entries listed by trade, from Blacksmiths and Brewers to Wheelwrights and Shopkeepers. This is excellent for understanding the local economy and industrial landscape of 1937.

Suffolk in 1937: Local Context & Highlights

This directory captures Suffolk at a fascinating crossroads between traditional agricultural life and modern industry. As you browse, you may encounter references to:

• Agriculture & Brewing: Suffolk was famous for its farming and malting. Look out for entries related to the massive brewing industry, particularly the giants like Greene King in Bury St Edmunds and Tolly Cobbold in Ipswich.
• Aviation: 1937 was the golden age of aviation. You may find references to Martlesham Heath, which was a pivotal RAF base (and later the site of the Aeroplane and Armament Experimental Establishment).
• Famous Residents & Sons of Suffolk:
  • Benjamin Britten: The famous composer was born in Lowestoft in 1913. In 1937, his career was taking flight; you may find relatives of the Britten family still listed in the Lowestoft area.
  • George Orwell: Though he left the area in the 1920s, Orwell’s connection to Southwold is deep. His parents and sister Avril were resident in Southwold during this period—check the Private Residents section of Southwold for "Blair" family entries!
  • John Peel: The legendary radio DJ was born in Chester but grew up in Lowestoft (his father was an engineer). In 1937, the Peel family history is being written in this very directory.
• Sport: Look for entries related to Ipswich Town FC, who were playing in the Third Division South at the time, or the thriving cricket clubs across the county.

Important Note Regarding Maps: Please be advised that due to the age and original binding of these directories, fold-out maps were occasionally removed or damaged prior to scanning. We have made every effort to include all available maps present in the original source used for this digital reproduction. If the maps are present in your copy, consider it a fantastic bonus addition to your genealogical toolkit!

Why You Need This Directory: Without the 1931 or 1941 censuses, this directory is often the only way to confirm a residence in the late 1930s. It puts your ancestors on the map, lists their neighbors, and details their trades.