Kelly's Directory Of Wimbledon Merton Mitcham & Morden 1913-1914

Kelly's Directory of Wimbledon, Merton, Mitcham & Morden 1913-1914 (Digital Download or CD-ROM)

Product Description:

Step back in time to the eve of the First World War with this exact digital replica of Kelly's Directory of Wimbledon, Merton, Mitcham & Morden for 1913-1914. This invaluable genealogical and local history resource provides a fascinating snapshot of South London/Surrey life just months before the outbreak of WWI, making it an absolute must-have for family historians and local historians alike.

A Crucial "Census Substitute" Published neatly between the 1911 and 1921 censuses, this directory serves as a vital census substitute. Because the 1921 census is the most recent to be released, this 1913 directory helps bridge the gap, showing exactly where your ancestors lived and what they did for a living as the world stood on the brink of profound change.

Navigating This Directory: Format & Searchability Please note that this product consists of high-quality scanned images of the original book and is not a text-searchable database. However, do not let this deter you! Kelly's Directories are meticulously compiled in strict alphabetical order—both by street and by surname—making it incredibly easy to manually track down your ancestors in seconds. Furthermore, if you are using a modern PDF reader (such as Adobe Acrobat Reader), the software will perform OCR (Optical Character Recognition) on the fly, allowing you to use the "Ctrl+F" (or Cmd+F) search function directly within your viewer.

What's Inside? (Directory Sections) This comprehensive volume is divided into highly useful sections:

• Topographical & Historical: Detailed descriptions of the boroughs, parish histories, local governance, and notable landmarks.
• Street Directory: An alphabetical list of streets, detailing the head of the household and their occupation at each specific house number.
• Commercial Directory: A classified list of trades and businesses (from blacksmiths to zonographers), perfect for finding your ancestors' workplaces.
• Private Residents Directory: An alphabetical list of the prominent and private citizens of the area.
• Official & Institutional Directory: Listings for local councils, magistrates, police, churches, schools, hospitals, and charities.

Local History, Famous Residents & Interesting Facts (1913-1914) This directory captures a region transforming from leafy Surrey villages into bustling London suburbs. As you browse, you will be walking the same streets as notable figures:

• Famous Residents: The great abolitionist William Wilberforce once lived in Wimbledon, and his family presence was still felt in the area's grand houses. Arthur Schopenhauer, the famed German philosopher, also resided in Merton for a time, and his legacy was well known locally.
• The Sporting Life: In 1913, the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club was still operating at its original Worple Road location (it wouldn't move to Church Road until 1922). The directory captures the local tradesmen and residents who catered to the burgeoning tennis elite.
• Industry & Arts: Merton and Morden were heavily associated with the Arts and Crafts movement. The famous Liberty & Co. silk printing works were in full swing at Merton Abbey, employing hundreds of locals using methods pioneered by William Morris.
• The Scent of Mitcham: Mitcham was world-renowned at this time for its lavender and medicinal herb fields. The directory is filled with businesses related to perfumery, distilling, and farming, capturing an industry that has almost entirely vanished from London today.

Important Disclaimer Regarding Maps Please Note: Original copies of this directory were often issued with or without fold-out maps. Because this is a scanned reproduction of a historical book, we cannot guarantee that the original physical directory we scanned contained the map. If the map is present in our original source, it is included as a fantastic bonus—but please purchase with the understanding that it may be missing.

Format Options Choose exactly how you want to access this incredible piece of history. Upon purchase, you can select your preferred format:

• Digital Download: Instant access after checkout. Download the PDF files directly to your computer or tablet and start researching immediately.
• CD-ROM: Mailed directly to your door. Perfect for those who prefer a physical backup or have slower internet connections.

Unlock the secrets of your Wimbledon, Merton, Mitcham, or Morden ancestors today!