The Post Office Directory Of Edinburgh & Leith 1919-1920

Step into Post-War Edinburgh: Unlock Your Family's Past with the 1919-1920 Post Office Directory

The essential resource for tracing your Edinburgh & Leith ancestors in a world forever changed by the Great War.

The Great War is over. The world of 1919-1920 is one of remembrance, rebuilding, and profound social change. For your ancestors living in Edinburgh and Leith, this was a time of both hope and uncertainty. Now, you can step back into their world.

The Post Office Directory of Edinburgh & Leith for 1919-1920 is more than just a list of names; it's a time capsule. As a crucial "census substitute," it bridges the gap between the 1911 Census and the 1921 Census, providing a detailed snapshot of your family's life when official records are scarce.

Whether your family were merchants in the Old Town, dockworkers in Leith, or professionals in the New Town, this directory places them directly on the map and within the fabric of their community.

Inside, you will discover:

A Complete Residential Directory: An alphabetical list of the heads of households for both Edinburgh and Leith, featuring their full name, occupation, and private address. Find out if your great-grandfather was a "writer" (lawyer), a "draper," or a "master baker."
A Comprehensive Street Directory: See every street, court, and lane listed with its head of household. Perfect for identifying neighbours, understanding the social makeup of their area, and locating family homes that may have since been demolished.
A Commercial & Trades Directory: Explore the bustling economic life of the city. Find the businesses where your ancestors worked, shopped, and sought services. From banks to breweries, solicitors to surgeons, it's all here.
Court & Official Directory: Discover the key figures shaping the city, from magistrates and councillors to ministers of the church and directors of major institutions.
Invaluable General Information: Immerse yourself in the details of daily life. This section includes postal information, tram and railway timetables, a list of churches with their ministers, schools, public buildings, and more. This is the context that brings your family tree to life.
Why the 1919-1920 Edition is Essential:

This edition captures a unique moment in history. It records the first full year of peace, showing which families returned, which businesses survived, and how the city began to heal and redefine itself. It is the definitive record of Edinburgh and Leith at the dawn of a new era.