Kelly's Directory Of Tunbridge Wells Southborough & Tonbridge 1914

Kelly's Directory of Tunbridge Wells Southborough & Tonbridge (1914)

Imagine the summer of 1914. The air in the elegant Pantiles of Tunbridge Wells is filled with the murmur of conversation, the clatter of horse-drawn carts on the cobbled streets of Tonbridge, and the quiet bustle of Southborough's market. It was the last summer of the old world, a moment frozen in time just before the cataclysm of the Great War. Now, you can hold that moment in your hands.

This is not just a book; it is a time capsule. Kelly's Directory for 1914 is an indispensable key that unlocks the doors to the lives, homes, and businesses of this vibrant Kentish community. For the family historian, it’s the thrill of finding a great-grandfather listed as a grocer on Calverley Road. For the local enthusiast, it’s the joy of mapping the forgotten shops and pubs of a century ago. For the homeowner, it’s the unique chance to discover the names of the people who lived in your house before you.

Within its pages, you will discover:

The Private Residents Directory: A comprehensive A-Z of the head of nearly every household in the three towns, revealing the social fabric of the community.
The Commercial & Trades Directory: From blacksmiths to bankers, bakers to bookbinders, explore the complete economic landscape of the area and see how people earned their living.
The Court Directory: A formal listing of the nobility, gentry, clergy, and public officials who shaped the region.
The Street Directory: An invaluable tool for house historians, allowing you to walk down the streets of 1914 and see exactly who lived at each address.
Official Information & Local Institutions: Details on postal services, carriers, local councils, and public buildings.
Evocative Advertisements: A gallery of period ads offering a glimpse into the products, services, and aspirations of the Edwardian age.
Whether you are piecing together your family tree, researching the history of your town, or simply yearning for a tangible connection to the past, this directory is more than a list of names—it is a collection of stories waiting to be rediscovered.