The Post Office Directory Of Edinburgh & Leith 1908-1909

Step into the Edwardian Streets of Edinburgh: The Post Office Directory 1908-1909

Unlock the world of your Scottish ancestors and walk the streets they knew, with this indispensable genealogical guide.

Imagine the clatter of trams on Princes Street, the salty air blowing in from Leith, and the lively chatter of merchants in the Old Town. It's 1908-1909, a vibrant time at the height of the Edwardian era. Was your ancestor among the residents, running a business, or raising a family in Scotland's capital?

Now you can find out.

The Post Office Directory of Edinburgh & Leith 1908-1909 is more than just a book of names; it's a time machine. This meticulously preserved directory is a genealogist's goldmine, providing a crucial snapshot between the 1901 and 1911 censuses. It’s the key that can unlock the details of your ancestors' daily lives, transforming them from names on a chart into real people who lived, worked, and thrived in a bygone age.

What Will You Discover Inside?

This comprehensive digital and/or physical reproduction contains thousands of entries, offering a detailed portrait of the city and its inhabitants. You will find:

Alphabetical List of Private Residents: The core of the directory. Find your ancestors by surname, along with their full name, occupation, and residential address. Discover if a widow was listed as the head of the household or if a son had taken over the family trade.
Comprehensive Street Directory: Pinpoint the exact house your family lived in! See a list of all heads of household for every street in Edinburgh and Leith, allowing you to discover their neighbours and build a picture of their immediate community.
Commercial & Trade Directory: Did your ancestor own a shop, work as a craftsman, or run a factory? This section lists businesses by trade, from bakers and bankers to engineers and solicitors, providing a direct link to their economic life.
Professional & Court Directory: Find details of doctors, lawyers, architects, and other professionals, as well as a complete listing of civic officials, magistrates, and clergy.
Official Information & Advertisements: Gain context from the era with information on postal rates, transport, and a fascinating collection of contemporary advertisements for goods and services.
Why This Directory is a Genealogist's Essential Tool:

A Perfect Census Substitute: Fills the vital 10-year gap between national censuses. Confirm who was still living at an address or who had moved on.
More Than Just a Name: Occupations provide colour and context, helping you understand your ancestor's social standing and daily life.
Break Down Brick Walls: Find a missing relative by searching for their known trade or by identifying other family members living at the same address.
Connect to the Place: Use the address to find the house on a modern map, see it on Google Street View, or even plan a visit to walk in your ancestors' footsteps.