Kelly's Directory Of Bristol 1970

Kelly's Directory of Bristol 1970 - Digital Download or CD

Uncover the History of Bristol in the Swingin' Sixties

Step back in time to the bustling streets of 1970 Bristol with this high-quality digital reproduction of Kelly’s Directory. This essential genealogy resource provides a fascinating snapshot of life in the city at the end of the 1960s, capturing the transition from the post-war era to modern Britain. Whether you are tracing your family tree, researching local history, or restoring a period property, this directory offers an invaluable window into the past.

Format & Navigation Please note that this directory is a collection of scanned images, preserved in their original format. While the text is not embedded in a searchable database format, the directory has been digitally scanned in high resolution.

• Easy Navigation: The directory is structured alphabetically by trade and by surname, making it intuitive to browse and find specific residents or businesses.
• Search Capability: Because the files are provided as high-quality PDFs, most modern PDF readers (such as Adobe Acrobat or browser-based viewers) offer "OCR on the fly." This means you can often use the search function (Ctrl+F) to locate names and addresses, even though the original file is an image.

Contents of the Directory This comprehensive volume is packed with details crucial for the family historian:

1. Street Directory: A complete listing of streets within Bristol, showing the head of the household at each address. Perfect for mapping out who lived next door to your ancestors.
2. Commercial/Trades Directory: An alphabetical list of trades and professions. Find out who ran the local grocery stores, which companies were manufacturing in the city, and where your ancestors worked.
3. Private Residents Directory: An alphabetical list of private citizens, often including their occupations—a key resource for distinguishing between individuals with the same name.
4. Official & Statistical Information: Details on the City Council, officials, magistrates, public institutions, and transport links.
5. Advertisements: Period advertisements that add color and context to the era, promoting local businesses, fashion, and household goods of 1970.

Filling the Census Gaps For genealogists, directories are vital for filling the gaps between census years. The 1971 Census was still a year away, and the 1961 Census data was becoming dated. This 1970 directory provides a crucial "year-in-between" record, helping you track family movements and changes in occupation during a dynamic decade.

A Snapshot of Bristol in 1970 This directory captures Bristol at a time of significant industrial and cultural change:

• Industry & Aviation: 1970 was a golden era for Bristol’s aviation industry. The city was proud to be home to the construction of Concorde at Filton. The directory reflects the presence of British Aircraft Corporation and the thousands of skilled engineers living in the area.
• Music & Culture: While the "Bristol Sound" (Trip Hop) was years away, the city in 1970 had a vibrant music scene. Bands like The Popes and Velvet Opera were active, and venues like the Bristol Hippodrome and The Locarno were packed. This was the era when the young bands that would define the 70s were cutting their teeth.
• Sport: The city was buzzing with football rivalries. Bristol City and Bristol Rovers both had strong followings, and you can find the homes of players and officials within these pages.
• Famous Connections: This directory lists the residents of the city during a time when it was home to notable figures. While Hollywood legend Cary Grant (born Archibald Leach in Horfield, Bristol) was living in the USA, his family roots remained deep in the city. You will also find local politicians and business leaders who shaped the modern city.

Map Disclaimer & Bonus Please Note: Some original editions of this directory were issued without the pull-out map due to printing shortages of the time. However, we are pleased to confirm that this edition includes the original map as a bonus where available, allowing you to navigate the Bristol of 1970 street-by-street.