The Post Office Directory Of Edinburgh & Leith 1928-1929

The Post Office Directory of Edinburgh & Leith 1928-1929: Your Key to Unlocking Edinburgh's Interwar Past

Step onto the cobbled streets of 1920s Edinburgh and discover the world your ancestors knew.

Imagine the sounds of trams clattering down Princes Street, the call of the newsboy, and the scent of fresh bread from a local baker. This isn't just a scene from a history book—it was the daily reality for your ancestors. Now, you can place them directly into that vibrant, interwar world.

The Post Office Directory of Edinburgh & Leith 1928-1929 is more than a list of names; it's a time capsule and an indispensable genealogical tool. As the perfect bridge between the 1921 Census and the 1939 Register, this directory provides a crucial snapshot of life in Scotland's capital during a period of great change and resilience.

What You'll Discover Inside:

This meticulously compiled directory is a genealogist's goldmine, offering a multi-layered view of the city and its inhabitants.

Alphabetical List of Residents: The heart of the directory. Find your ancestors by name, uncovering their full address, their primary occupation, and their standing as the head of a household.
Comprehensive Street & Court Directory: The ultimate tool for context. Walk down their street and see who their neighbours were. Explore the closes and wynds to understand the community dynamics and social fabric of their immediate surroundings.
Commercial & Trade Directory: Was your ancestor a skilled mason, a respected merchant, or the owner of a small shop on Leith Walk? This section details the city's businesses, large and small, giving you insight into their working lives and the local economy.
Official & Professional Directory: Discover the key figures who shaped the city. Find listings for civic officials, members of the clergy, doctors, lawyers, and schoolmasters, painting a full picture of the community's structure.
Transport & Communication: Uncover practical details of daily life, from lists of cabmen and carriers to postal information, showing how people and goods moved through the city.
Why This 1928-1929 Edition is a Genealogist's Goldmine:

The Perfect Census Substitute: With the 1931 Census lost to fire and the 1941 Census cancelled by war, this directory fills an 8-year gap in official records, helping you trace family movements and changes in circumstance.
A Snapshot of a City in Transition: This is Edinburgh in the aftermath of the Great War, on the cusp of the Great Depression. It captures a city rebuilding, modernising, and holding fast to its traditions.
The Separate World of Leith: Though officially part of Edinburgh since 1920, Leith retains its distinct identity. The directory gives dedicated coverage to Leith's unique streets, residents, and maritime trades, essential for anyone with Leith ancestry.
Who Will Find This Directory Invaluable?

Family Historians tracing Scottish roots in Edinburgh and Leith.
Genealogists seeking to break down brick walls between the 1921 Census and 1939 Register.
Local & Social Historians researching the fabric of the city in the interwar years.
House History Researchers wanting to discover the past inhabitants of a property.
Writers and Novelists seeking authentic detail for stories set in 1920s Scotland.