Besley's Directory Of Exeter & Suburbs 1911

Besley's Directory of Exeter & Suburbs 1911: Your Key to Edwardian Ancestors

Step into the world of your Exeter ancestors, just before the Great War changed everything.

Imagine the sounds of horse-drawn carts on cobblestones, the bustle of the market in Fore Street, and the quiet hum of the new electric lights. The year is 1911. The King is on the throne, and the lives of your ancestors are unfolding in the historic city of Exeter. Now, you can walk in their footsteps.

Besley's Directory is more than just a book of names; it's a time capsule. It's the key that unlocks the door to your family's daily life, providing a rich, detailed snapshot of the city and its people in this pivotal Edwardian year.

Unlock Your Ancestor's World: What's Inside?

This comprehensive directory is a genealogist's goldmine, packed with the information you need to move beyond names and dates and build a real story.

Alphabetical List of Private Residents: Find your ancestors by name, complete with their occupation and full street address. Perfect for confirming who was living where in 1911.
Commercial & Trade Directory: Did your ancestor run a business? Discover shopkeepers, artisans, millers, and merchants. This section is cross-referenced by trade, allowing you to see all the bakers, butchers, or blacksmiths in the city at a glance.
Official Court Directory: A listing of the gentry, clergy, city officials, and other prominent citizens. Ideal for tracing families of higher social standing.
Comprehensive Street Directory: The ultimate tool for context! See a complete list of every household and business on a given street. Discover who your ancestors' neighbours were, the makeup of their community, and the social character of their road.
Essential Local Information: Add colour to your research with details on:
City Councillors and officials
Churches and their incumbents
Schools, banks, and post offices
Cab fares and railway timetables
Why the 1911 Edition is a Genealogist's Dream:

This directory is the perfect companion to the 1911 Census. While the census gives you one day in the life of your family, Besley's Directory fills in the gaps for the entire year.

Bridge the Gap: Trace movements and changes between the 1901 and 1911 censuses.
Go Beyond the Census: Find tradesmen, boarders, and residents who may have been missed on census night.
Break Down Brick Walls: An unexpected occupation or a neighbouring relative could be the clue you've been searching for.
Create a Richer Narrative: Move from "John Smith, a labourer" to "John Smith, a stonemason living at 14 York Road, next to the baker and opposite the pub."
Don't let your Exeter ancestors remain just names on a chart. Add Besley's Directory of Exeter & Suburbs 1911 to your research toolkit and bring their Edwardian world to life!