Kelly's Directory of Buckinghamshire 1928 (Digital Download or CD)

Bridge the Census Gaps and Unlock Your Buckinghamshire Ancestry

The 1931 Census for England and Wales was destroyed in a fire, and the 1941 Census was never taken due to WWII. This makes the late 1920s a critical "black hole" for genealogists. Kelly's Directory of Buckinghamshire 1928 is the perfect substitute to fill this void.

Furthermore, just as we see government distrust today, the aftermath of WWI and the 1926 General Strike left many working-class citizens deeply skeptical of the state. A significant number of people actively refused to fill out the 1921 census forms to avoid taxation or conscription. If your ancestors were "census dodgers," there is a very high chance they are listed right here in this commercial directory instead!

Available as an instant Digital Download or on a CD-ROM, this high-quality scan of the original 1928 directory is an essential tool for anyone researching Buckinghamshire family history, local history, or house history.

Modern Tech Meets 1920s Genealogy

While this product consists of scanned book images, we have harnessed the power of modern computing to make it incredibly user-friendly. Because of the alphabetical layout of the directory, navigation is a breeze. Additionally, if you use a modern PDF reader on a desktop PC (such as Adobe Acrobat or Microsoft Edge), you can utilize incredible built-in features:

• On-the-Fly OCR: Highlight and copy text directly from the scanned pages.
• Google Lens Integration: Right-click to instantly translate foreign names or terms, or search the web for obscure historical terms mentioned in the text.
• Text-to-Speech: Have your computer read the directory entries aloud to you, saving your eyes from strain during long research sessions. (Please note: Text-to-speech and Google Lens features are only available on desktop PC PDF viewers, not mobile devices).

What’s Inside the 1928 Edition?

Kelly’s Directories are the gold standard of Victorian and Edwardian eras, and this 1928 edition is densely packed with invaluable information. It contains:

• County Information: A detailed history and topographical account of Buckinghamshire, including its geology, agriculture, and local government officials, magistrates, and clergy.
• Township & Parish Histories: Descriptions of every major town and village, detailing local landmarks, churches, and notable buildings.
• Private Residents Directory: An alphabetical list of the gentry, aristocracy, and prominent private citizens (perfect for finding where the wealthy or retired lived).
• Commercial Directory: Alphabetical listings of tradesmen and women. From blacksmiths to boot makers, find out exactly what your ancestors did for a living and where their shop was located.
• Professional & Trade Directory: A classified section grouping all trades together county-wide (e.g., all the doctors, all the bakers, all the tailors).
• Street Directory (for major towns like Aylesbury, High Wycombe, and Buckingham): Listings of households by street—ideal for tracing the history of a specific house.
• Period Advertisements: Fascinating ads for local businesses, giving you a true flavor of 1920s consumerism.

Buckinghamshire in 1928: A Snapshot in Time

To give you an idea of the world your ancestors inhabited in 1928 Buckinghamshire, here are some fascinating local context clues:

• The Furniture Industry: In 1928, High Wycombe was still the undisputed furniture capital of England. Your ancestors may have been listed as "Bodgers" (itinerant chair-makers in the woods) or worked in the massive steam-powered factories.
• The Lace Trade: The town of Olney was still famous for its delicate pillow lace, a cottage industry kept alive by local women. You will find many women listed independently as "Lace Makers" in this directory.
• The Rothschild Influence: By 1928, the Rothschild family heavily dominated Buckinghamshire society. You will find extensive references to their estates at Waddesdon Manor and Ascott House, along with the many estate workers, gardeners, and gamekeepers employed by them.
• Literary Connections: While she would go on to become one of the world's most famous children's authors, Enid Blyton was teaching in the 1920s and her early connections to the Buckinghamshire area were forming. The shadow of John Hampden, the great Parliamentarian, and Benjamin Disraeli (who lived at Hughenden Manor) still heavily influenced local culture and naming conventions.
• Sport: Wycombe Wanderers F.C. (formed in 1887) was playing in the 1920s, and you can find the names of local sportsmen, cricketers, and club officials within these pages.

Important Disclaimer Regarding Maps

Please note: During the original binding and printing process of many Kelly's Directories, the fold-out maps were frequently removed by previous owners or lost over the decades. While we have made every effort to provide a complete scan, the county and town maps may be missing from this edition. If the maps are present in the original book we scanned, they are a fantastic bonus—but please purchase with the understanding that the textual directories are the primary focus of this product.

Format Options: Choose your preferred format at checkout. The Digital Download provides instant access to your research, while the CD-ROM is perfect for those who prefer a physical backup or have slower internet connections.

Step back into the Roaring Twenties and discover the names, trades, and addresses of your Buckinghamshire forebears today!