Besley's Directory Of Exeter & Suburbs 1919

Unlock Your Exeter Ancestors' World: Besley's Directory 1919

Step into the Exeter of 1919. The Great War is over, the world is changing, and a city rich with history is beginning a new chapter. Now, you can walk the streets alongside your ancestors with this indispensable key to the past: Besley's Directory of Exeter & Suburbs.

More than just a list of names and addresses, this directory is a vivid snapshot of life in post-war Exeter. It’s the perfect bridge between the 1911 and 1921 censuses, offering a unique glimpse into where your family lived, what they did for a living, and the community that shaped their daily lives.

Discover the Treasures Inside This Genealogical Goldmine:
This meticulously reproduced directory is packed with the details that bring your family tree to life. Inside, you will find:

Street-by-Street Residential Listings: Pinpoint the exact house where your grandparents or great-grandparents lived. Discover their neighbours and build a picture of their immediate community.
Comprehensive Commercial & Trades Directory: What was your ancestor’s profession? Find out if they were a baker on Fore Street, a draper in the High Street, a stonemason, or a clerk. This section reveals the economic lifeblood of the city and your family's place within it.
The Court Directory: A listing of Exeter’s private residents, gentry, professionals, and civic officials. Ideal for tracing more prominent family members and understanding the social hierarchy of the time.
Essential Local & Civic Information: Immerse yourself in the era with details on:
Corporation officials, MPs, and magistrates
Hospitals, schools, and places of worship
Post offices, banks, and transport timetables (trains and trams!)
Clubs, societies, and public institutions
Why the 1919 Edition is a Pivotal Research Tool:
The year 1919 is a critical moment in history. This directory captures a city in transition, making it an invaluable resource for:

Breaking Down Brick Walls: Can't find a family in the 1921 Census? They may have moved just before. This 1919 directory could hold the clue that relocates your research.
Understanding Post-War Life: See which men returned from the war and which trades were thriving. It’s a powerful record of resilience and change.
Adding Rich Context to Your Family Tree: Go beyond names and dates. Learn the layout of their neighbourhood, the shops they visited, and the journey they took to work each day.
Who Is This Directory For?
Family Historians with roots in Exeter and the surrounding villages.
Local Historians and students studying the social and economic fabric of Devon.
House Historians researching the past inhabitants of a property.
Anyone with a love for Exeter and a desire to connect with its past.