Kelly's Directory Of Weymouth & Portland 1972

Step back into the early 1970s and unlock the secrets of your Dorset ancestors with a digital reproduction of the Kelly's Directory of Weymouth & Portland 1972. Whether you are tracing your family tree, researching local history, or simply nostalgic for the era, this directory is an invaluable addition to your research toolkit.

The Ultimate "Census Substitute"

Genealogists often hit a brick wall when it comes to the gap between the 1971 and 1981 censuses. This 1972 directory serves as the perfect mid-decade census substitute. Furthermore, the early 1970s were a time of significant social upheaval, industrial strikes, and a growing distrust of the government—much like today. Because of this political climate, many citizens actively refused to fill out their census forms or provided false information. If your ancestors were anti-establishment or distrusted the state, they might be entirely missing from the official census, but they are likely listed right here in Kelly's, going about their daily lives and trades!

Cutting-Edge Accessibility for Scanned Images

While this product consists of scanned images of the original book, it is incredibly easy to navigate. Because Kelly's directories are formatted alphabetically by surname and street, you can flip to the exact section you need in seconds.

Even better, when viewed on a desktop PC, modern PDF readers unlock powerful built-in tools:

• On-the-Fly OCR: Highlight and copy text directly from the scanned pages.
• Google Lens Integration: Right-click to instantly search a name or address, or use Google Lens to read difficult handwriting.
• Text-to-Speech: Have your PDF reader read the directory entries aloud to you, saving your eyes from hours of straining.
• Instant Translation: Easily translate the text into other languages if English is not your first language.

What’s Inside? (Directory Sections)

This comprehensive volume paints a vivid picture of Weymouth and Portland in 1972. It includes:

1. Historical & Topographical Information: A fascinating background on the boroughs, their governance, and geography.
2. Official & Civic Directory: Names and addresses of local councillors, magistrates, public officials, and emergency services.
3. Street Directory: An A-Z of every street in Weymouth and Portland, listing the head of the household or business at each address. Perfect for mapping out where your family lived!
4. Commercial Directory: A complete alphabetical list of tradesmen and businesses (from fishmongers to stone masons), ideal for finding out exactly how your ancestors earned a living.
5. Private Residents Directory: An alphabetical list of the private, residential households—your primary resource for finding everyday families.

Weymouth & Portland in 1972: A Snapshot in Time

To put your ancestors' lives into context, 1972 was a vibrant year for the area:

• Industry: Portland remained synonymous with Portland Stone, still being actively quarried and shipped worldwide for iconic building projects. Meanwhile, Weymouth Harbour was a bustling hub for fishing and tourism, transitioning from its early 20th-century roots into a modern holiday destination.
• Sports: Weymouth FC (The Terras) were playing their heart out at the Recreation Ground, deeply embedded in the local community. The area's unique geography also made it a growing hub for sailing and water sports.
• Famous Local Ties: The area has always attracted notable figures. The shadow of Vice-Admiral Thomas Masterman Hardy (Nelson's flag captain at Trafalgar, born in nearby Dorset) still loomed large over Portland's naval heritage. In 1972, the local naval base was highly active during the Cold War, meaning the streets were full of military personnel and their families.

Important Disclaimer

Please note: Unless otherwise stated in the product listing, the original fold-out map that traditionally accompanied this directory is missing from this scanned edition.

Format Options

Choose the format that best suits your research style:

• Digital Download: Get instant access immediately after checkout. No waiting, no shipping fees! (Please note: Text-to-Speech and Google Lens features require a desktop PDF reader like Adobe Acrobat or Microsoft Edge).
• CD-ROM: Prefer a physical backup? Receive a professionally printed CD sent directly to your door, ready to load onto your desktop or laptop PC.

Reconnect with your Dorset roots today—add the 1972 Kelly's Directory of Weymouth & Portland to your cart now!