Kelly's Directory Of Bournemouth & Poole 1973

Kelly's Directory of Bournemouth, Poole & District 1973 Digitally Scanned Archive – Available as Instant Digital Download or CD-ROM

Product Description

Step back into the early 1970s with this fascinating republished edition of Kelly’s Directory for Bournemouth, Poole, and the surrounding districts. This essential genealogical resource provides a snapshot of life on the South Coast just as the UK was entering the decimal era and amidst the cultural shifts of the decade.

Whether you are tracing your family tree, researching the history of your house, or simply nostalgic for the era, this directory offers an invaluable window into the past. It connects the gap between the 1971 and 1981 census records, offering you a precise location for your ancestors between these national milestones.

Navigating the Directory

Please note that this directory consists of high-quality scanned images of the original pages. While the text itself is not embedded (meaning it is not instantly searchable via Ctrl+F), the directory is structured alphabetically by surname and trade, making manual navigation incredibly straightforward and intuitive.

• Tech Tip: Modern PDF readers (such as Adobe Acrobat) often perform OCR (Optical Character Recognition) on the fly. You may be able to use the search function within your specific PDF viewer software to locate names, though accuracy depends on the clarity of the original scan and your software version.

What’s Inside?

This comprehensive volume is divided into useful sections to aid your research:

1. Street Directory: A detailed listing of the principal streets of Bournemouth and Poole, showing the head of household at each address. Perfect for house historians.
2. Commercial & Trades Directory: An alphabetical list of businesses and tradesmen, from bakers and butchers to solicitors and surveyors.
3. Private Residents Directory: The most valuable section for genealogists. An alphabetical list of private citizens, often including their addresses and occasionally their professions.
4. Official & Local Information: Details on local government officials, magistrates, clergy, medical officers, and public institutions, as well as postal and shipping information.
5. Advertisements: A treasure trove of period nostalgia, featuring local shops and services with their original logos and slogans.

Bridging the Census Gap

The UK Census is taken every ten years. By 1973, the 1971 Census was already two years old, and the 1981 Census was still eight years away. This directory fills that "genealogical gap," helping you confirm where a relative was living and what they were doing for a living in the mid-70s.

Local History & Famous Connections (1973 Context)

Researching this era places your ancestors in a vibrant time for Dorset. While browsing these pages, you may encounter the contemporaries of famous figures associated with the area:

• J.R.R. Tolkien: The legendary author of The Lord of the Rings spent his final years in the Bournemouth area. He passed away in September 1973 in Bournemouth. You may find his residence or that of his family members listed in this very edition.
• Literary Heritage: The area has long been a haven for writers, and the 1970s saw a thriving literary scene in the pubs and hotels of the coast.
• Industry & Commerce: 1973 was a busy year for Poole Pottery, which was world-renowned for its contemporary designs. The directory lists the artisans and drivers who kept these famous furnaces burning.
• Music & Culture: The early 70s was the golden era of Glam Rock. Keep an eye out for local music venues and recording studios in the trade sections that might have hosted the rising stars of the day.
• Sport: AFC Bournemouth (then known as Bournemouth & Boscombe Athletic) was playing in the Fourth Division during this season. You might find the names of club officials or even players listed in the residential sections.

Map Disclaimer

Please Note: Due to the age of the original source material and the binding process of the time, fold-out maps were often prone to damage or removal in earlier library copies. While we have made every effort to include all available pages, please be aware that maps may occasionally be missing from this scan. If maps are present in the original source we scanned, they are included as a valuable bonus.

Formats Available

• Digital Download: Get instant access after purchase. No waiting for shipping.
• CD-ROM: A physical backup sent to your door, perfect for archiving.

Unlock the secrets of your Bournemouth and Poole ancestors today!