Kelly's Directory Of Devonshire 1919

Kelly's Directory of Devonshire 1919 - Digital Download or CD-ROM

Product Description

Unlock the Secrets of Post-WWI Devon: Kelly's Directory 1919

Step back into the aftermath of the First World War with a definitive guide to Devonshire in 1919. Whether you are a family historian, local historian, or simply fascinated by the past, this high-quality digital replica of Kelly's Directory of Devonshire 1919 is an indispensable resource. Available as an instant digital download or on a convenient CD-ROM, this directory bridges the crucial gap between the 1911 census and the 1921 census.

The "Missing" Census & The Census Refusers Genealogists often hit a brick wall due to the ten-year gap between the 1911 and 1921 censuses. However, there is another layer to this gap: government distrust. Just as we see skepticism toward government data collection today, many citizens in the early 20th century were deeply suspicious of the state. A significant number of individuals actively refused to fill out their census forms, facing heavy fines as a result. If your ancestors were anti-establishment, valued their privacy, or simply fell through the bureaucratic cracks, they won't appear in the census—but they will likely be listed right here in Kelly's Directory.

Devon in 1919: A County in Transition The 1919 edition captures a Devon rebuilding after the Great War. Within these pages, you will find the footprints of notable Devonians. For instance, a young Agatha Christie (born in Torquay) was living in the county around this time, and you can explore the neighborhoods she frequented. You'll also traverse the streets walked by the legendary Sir Francis Drake and Sir Walter Raleigh, keeping the spirit of Elizabethan maritime history alive in the local trade directories.

Interesting Devon Facts Featured in the Era:

• Industry: Devon’s lifeblood was its maritime trade, agriculture, and the mighty Plymouth Dockyard, which was undergoing post-war transition. You will also find listings for the declining but still present tin and copper mining industries, as well as the booming Devon wool and lace trades.
• Sport: Football was sweeping the nation. Plymouth Argyle FC (founded in 1886) was a major focal point of local pride, playing in the Southern League during this era.
• Music & Culture: Exeter and Plymouth had thriving musical halls and cathedral choirs, while the seeds of Devon's famous folk music revival were being sown in the rural pubs and villages you'll find listed here.

What’s Inside? (Section by Section) This meticulously scanned directory is incredibly easy to navigate due to its strict alphabetical arrangements. It contains:

1. County Information: A detailed history, topography, and geology of Devon, including magistrates, county council members, and local government officials.
2. Town & Parish Directories: The heart of the book. Arranged alphabetically by town/village, providing a street-by-street breakdown of private residents and commercial businesses.
3. Court Directory (Private Residents): An A-Z list of the gentry, clergy, and prominent private citizens of Devonshire.
4. Trades & Professions: A comprehensive alphabetical A-Z of every trade from blacksmiths to zinc merchants. Looking for a specific butcher in Barnstaple or a draper in Dawlish? You will find them here.
5. Advertisements: Fascinating period advertisements for local businesses, offering a brilliant slice of consumer life in 1919.

Cutting-Edge Usability for Modern Researchers While this product consists of scanned book images (not raw text), its alphabetical nature makes finding people incredibly fast. Furthermore, modern technology makes this historical document more accessible than ever:

• Desktop PC Magic: When viewed on a desktop PC using a modern PDF reader (like Adobe Acrobat or Edge), built-in Google Lens integration allows you to highlight the scanned text and perform OCR (Optical Character Recognition) on the fly.
• Accessibility: Using these desktop tools, you can instantly copy text, utilize Text-to-Speech to have the directory read aloud to you, and even translate historical terms or foreign names into modern languages. (Please note: These advanced OCR and TTS features require a modern desktop PDF reader and are generally not supported on standard mobile PDF apps).

Important Disclaimer Please note: Unless specifically stated otherwise in the product listing, the original fold-out county map that typically accompanied these directories is missing from this scanned edition. This was common in original surviving copies that were rebound or had maps removed for framing.

Format Options

• Digital Download: Receive your download link instantly upon payment. Perfect for the impatient researcher!
• CD-ROM: Mailed directly to your door. Ideal for those who prefer a physical backup or have slow internet speeds.