The Post Office Directory Of Edinburgh & Leith 1914-1915

The Post Office Directory of Edinburgh & Leith, 1914-1915

Imagine the bustling, historic streets of Edinburgh and the busy port of Leith in the long, hot summer of 1914. The city is alive with commerce, culture, and community, blissfully unaware of the shadow of the Great War about to fall across Europe. This is the world captured, frozen in time, within the pages of The Post Office Directory of Edinburgh & Leith, 1914-1915.

This is more than just a book of names; it is a time machine and a vital key for anyone tracing their Scottish roots.

What You'll Discover Inside:

The Alphabetical Directory: A comprehensive list of private residents, business heads, and tradespeople. Find your ancestors by name, discover their occupation, and see their exact address.
The Street Directory: Walk down the streets of 1914 Edinburgh and Leith from the comfort of your home. This section lists every house on every street, with the head of the household for each. Perfect for pinpointing a family's home, identifying neighbours, and understanding the local community.
The Trade & Professional Directory: Was your great-grandfather a baker, a solicitor, a stonemason, or a shipwright? This directory groups professionals and trades by their specialty, offering a unique insight into the commercial landscape of the city and your ancestor's place within it.
Official & Municipal Information: Discover the structure of the city with listings for churches, schools, banks, courts, public officials, and transport timetables. This context brings your ancestors' daily lives into sharp focus.
Why This 1914-1915 Edition is Invaluable for Your Research:

A Snapshot on the Eve of War: This is one of the last records of a generation of men before they were called to serve in WWI. It offers a poignant, final glimpse of their civilian lives.
Bridge the Census Gap: Crucially, this directory fills the ten-year gap between the 1911 and 1921 censuses. Track family movements, marriages, and changes in occupation that would otherwise be lost.
Break Through Brick Walls: If an ancestor is missing from the census or you've hit a dead end, the directory offers an alternative, powerful resource to confirm their existence and location.