Bush's Directory Of Bromley Bickley Chislehurst & Shortlands 1912

Bush’s Directory of Bromley, Bickley, Chislehurst & Shortlands 1912 (Digital Download or CD)

Product Description:

Step back into the late Edwardian era with this high-quality reproduction of Bush’s Directory of Bromley, Bickley, Chislehurst & Shortlands 1912. This invaluable genealogical resource offers a fascinating snapshot of life in these Kentish towns just two years before the outbreak of the Great War.

Whether you are tracing your family tree, researching local history, or restoring a period property, this directory provides the details you need to bring the past to life.

Bridging the Census Gap The 1911 census provides a snapshot, but the next census wasn't taken until 1921. This 1912 directory is the perfect tool to bridge that ten-year gap, helping you track family movements, changes of occupation, and residency between the census years.

About the Format & Navigation Please note that this directory is a scanned facsimile of the original book, presented as a PDF. The text consists of scanned images and is not digitally embedded or searchable in the traditional sense. However, thanks to the alphabetical arrangement of the listings, navigation is intuitive and straightforward.

• Tech Tip: Most modern PDF readers (such as Adobe Acrobat) offer "OCR on the fly." This means you can often use the search function (Ctrl+F) to locate names, though the accuracy depends on the clarity of the original print.

What’s Inside: Section Breakdown This comprehensive directory is divided into easy-to-use sections:

1. Street Directory: A comprehensive list of streets and roads, showing the head of household or business trading at each address. Ideal for locating exactly where your ancestors lived and who their neighbors were.
2. Commercial Directory: An alphabetical list of trades and professions. From milliners to mortgage brokers, builders to beer retailers, this section paints a vivid picture of the local economy.
3. Court (Private Residents) Directory: An alphabetical list of private residents. This is often where the "gentry" and wealthier middle classes are listed, separate from the trade directories, providing clues to social status.
4. Official & Ecclesiastical Information: Listings for local councils, magistrates, clergy, schools, and public institutions.
5. Advertisements: A delightful collection of contemporary ads for local businesses, offering flavor and context to the era—everything from "horse power" to early automobiles.

Local History & Famous Connections The Bromley and Chislehurst area in 1912 was a hub of affluence and culture, attracting notable figures of the time. While browsing these pages, you may encounter references to the contemporaries of famous residents associated with the area:

• H.G. Wells: The famous author was born in Bromley and maintained strong ties to the area. While he had moved away by 1912, his family name and influence permeate the local history.
• William Willett: A resident of Chislehurst, Willett was the promoter of British Summer Time (Daylight Saving Time). He published his pamphlet "The Waste of Daylight" in 1907 and sadly passed away in 1915, but in 1912 his campaign was very much active in the local consciousness.
• Napoleon III: The Emperor of France spent his exile in Camden Place, Chislehurst, and died there in 1873. By 1912, the house was still a significant landmark, and the French community remained a presence in the town.
• Bromley Football Club: Founded in 1892, the club was well established by 1912, playing their matches at the Hayes Lane area, a focal point for local sports enthusiasts.

Industry and Leisure In 1912, the area was transitioning from a rural retreat to a bustling London suburb. The directory reflects a thriving economy based on:

• The Railway: The expansion of the rail network made Bromley and Shortlands desirable commuter towns.
• Horticulture: The area was famed for its market gardens and nurseries, supplying London with fresh produce.
• Music & Arts: The presence of large villas in Bickley and Chislehurst hosted a vibrant social scene of musical evenings and theatre.

Map Disclaimer Please be aware that original directories often had maps extracted by previous owners or damaged over time. While every effort has been made to preserve the complete content, we cannot guarantee the presence of the original fold-out map. If the map is present in this specific scan, it should be considered a bonus.

Product Options This product is available as a CD (mailed to you) or an instant Digital Download. Both formats contain identical high-resolution scans compatible with PC, Mac, and tablets.