Kelly's Directory Of Croydon South Norwood Coulsdon & Purley 1923

Explore Croydon, South Norwood, Coulsdon & Purley in 1923

Imagine a time when the electric tram clattered along George Street, the air was filled with the scent of coal smoke, and the community was rebuilding its life after the Great War. This is the world captured in the pages of the Kelly's Directory of Croydon, South Norwood, Coulsdon & Purley 1923.

More than just a list of names, this directory is a time capsule. It is a key that unlocks the doors to the homes, businesses, and public institutions of a bygone era. For anyone with a connection to this vibrant part of Surrey, it is an indispensable tool for discovery.

What Treasures Await Inside?

A Complete Street Directory: Walk down every road in Croydon, South Norwood, Coulsdon, and Purley. Discover who lived at each address, from the grand villas of Purley to the terraced houses of South Norwood, and learn their professions.
A Bustling Commercial Directory: See the high streets as they once were. Find the butcher, the baker, the draper, and the engineer. This classified trade section provides a vivid picture of the local economy and the entrepreneurs who shaped it.
The Seat of Local Power: Meet the town's officials, from the Mayor and councillors to the medical officers of health and sanitary inspectors. Understand the civic structure that governed daily life.
The Heart of the Community: Explore detailed information on churches, chapels, schools, hospitals, clubs, and societies. Discover the institutions that were the bedrock of community life.
A Glimpse into History: Read the fascinating topographical and historical descriptions of the area, providing context for the lives of the people listed within.
Who Is This Directory For?

The Family Historian: Trace your Croydon ancestors, pinpoint their homes, and understand their place in the community.
The Local Historian: Build a rich, detailed picture of life in the 1920s, from social structures to commercial activity.
The House Detective: Uncover the story of your home and the people who lived in it a century ago.
Anyone with a Love for Croydon: Reconnect with the heritage of your town and see its familiar streets through fresh, historical eyes.