Besley's Directory Of Exeter & Suburbs 1915

Besley's Directory Of Exeter & Suburbs 1915

Time Capsule of Exeter in 1915

Published in the second year of the Great War, Besley's Directory of Exeter & Suburbs 1915 is more than just a book; it is a vivid snapshot of a city on the cusp of profound change. This indispensable volume offers a unique and fascinating portal into the daily life, commerce, and social fabric of Edwardian Exeter, preserved for a generation a century later.

Within its pages, you can walk the streets of 1915, discovering the very people who lived, worked, and traded there. It is an invaluable primary source for anyone looking to connect with the past.

What you'll discover inside:

A Complete Street Directory: A comprehensive, street-by-street listing of the heads of households and their occupations. Perfect for locating ancestors or understanding the composition of a specific road.
A Private Residents Directory: An alphabetical list of the city's private residents, making it easy to find individuals and their addresses.
A Commercial & Trade Directory: A classified list of businesses and tradesmen, from grocers and drapers to solicitors and engineers. Discover the commercial landscape of the city and who provided its essential services.
Official Information: Details of local government officials, magistrates, clergy, doctors, and public institutions, providing a clear picture of the city's civic structure.
Fascinating Period Advertisements: Charming and informative ads for local businesses, offering a unique insight into the products, services, and aspirations of the era.
Who is this for?

Genealogists & Family Historians: Trace your Exeter ancestors, pinpoint their homes, and uncover their professions.
Local Historians & Researchers: Build a detailed picture of Exeter's social and economic life during the First World War.
Homeowners & Residents: Discover the history of your house and the people who lived there over a hundred years ago.
Writers & Novelists: An authentic resource for adding historical detail and atmosphere to stories set in the period.
This is a rare opportunity to own a key that unlocks the doors of Exeter's past. More than a directory, it is the story of a city and its people, captured in a single, remarkable year