Kelly's Directory of Southampton 1964 (Digital Download or CD)

Step back into the "Swinging Sixties" with this comprehensive digital archive of Southampton.

Whether you are a family historian tracing your ancestors, a local researcher, or simply nostalgic for the era of the Ford Transit and the Beatles, this directory is an invaluable resource. Reproduced as high-quality scanned images in PDF format, this directory offers a fascinating snapshot of Southampton life in 1964.

Navigating the Directory with Ease

Please note: This product consists of scanned images, so the text is not "searchable" in the traditional sense. However, due to the strictly alphabetical nature of the directory entries, navigation is intuitive and straightforward.

Furthermore, most modern PDF readers (such as Adobe Acrobat or browser-based viewers) now feature OCR (Optical Character Recognition) on the fly. This means you can often use the "Find" function (Ctrl+F) to locate surnames or street names, even though the book is presented as an image.

A Glimpse of Southampton in 1964

To help you understand the world your ancestors lived in, here is the context of the year this directory was published:

• Industry & Economy: 1964 was a pivotal year for Southampton industry. The iconic Ford Transit van had just entered production at the massive Swaythling plant (formerly the Shadow Factory), securing thousands of local jobs. The Docks were transitioning from the golden age of ocean liners to the container age, though Cunard and P&O remained major employers.
• Sport: Southampton F.C. (The Saints) were playing in the Second Division. Legends like Terry Paine and Martin Chivers were gracing the pitch at The Dell, exciting the local faithful.
• Music & Culture: The "Beatlemania" craze was in full swing. The Beatles played The Gaumont Theatre in Southampton in November 1964, just as this directory was being circulated by local tradesmen.
• Famous Connections: This directory may list the residences or business premises of relatives of famous Southampton-born figures, such as the comedian Benny Hill (who still had family in the area) or John Jellicoe, the famous Admiral of the Fleet (though passed away by '64, his family name may appear).

What's Inside the Directory?

Kelly’s Directories were renowned for their detail. This volume typically includes:

1. Street Directory: An alphabetical list of streets, with house numbers and the names of the heads of households living there. Perfect for mapping out who lived next door to your ancestors.
2. Commercial Directory: A classified list of trades and professions. Find out who the local bakers, butchers, and shipbuilders were, and see if your ancestor’s business is listed.
3. Private Residents Directory: An alphabetical list of private citizens, often excluding the working class but detailing the middle and upper classes of Southampton.
4. Official Information: Detailed listings of the Corporation, Council officials, Magistrates, and public institutions (Hospitals, Asylums, Schools).
5. Surrounding Areas: Often includes entries for neighbouring districts such as Bitterne, Shirley, Freemantle, and Portswood.

Bridging the Genealogy Gap

For genealogists, directories like this are essential for filling the "census gaps." The 1931 Census was destroyed in the war, and there was no census taken in 1941 due to WWII. Even between the 1951 and 1961/1971 censuses, people moved frequently.

This 1964 directory allows you to:

• Confirm a family's residence between census years.
• Verify an ancestor's occupation or employer.
• Track the movement of families into the new housing estates springing up around Southampton in the post-war boom.

Important Note Regarding Maps

Disclaimer: Please be aware that in some original copies of this directory, the map pages were removed or are missing. We have made every effort to provide a complete reproduction. However, if the maps are present in this specific scan, they are included as a fantastic bonus! Please assume maps may be missing to avoid disappointment, but enjoy them if they appear in your digital copy.

Formats Available:

• Digital Download: Instant access after purchase. No waiting for shipping.
• CD-ROM: Mailed to your address (ideal for those who prefer a physical backup).

Unlock the history of your family and your city today!