Kelly's Directory of Leicestershire & Rutland 1928 (Digital Download or CD)

Step back into the life of your ancestors with this complete and faithful digital reproduction of Kelly’s Directory of Leicestershire & Rutland 1928.

Whether you are a family historian, a local researcher, or simply curious about the history of the East Midlands, this directory offers an unparalleled snapshot of life in the late 1920s. bridging the gap between the 1921 Census and the 1939 Register, this resource is essential for tracing family movements and understanding the community structure during the inter-war years.

Navigating the Directory

Please Note: This directory is a high-quality scan of the original book, consisting of digitized images (PDF format). The text is not embedded or searchable within the document itself. However, due to the alphabetical arrangement of the residents and trades, navigation is straightforward and intuitive.

• Tip: Many modern PDF readers (such as Adobe Acrobat or browser-based viewers) now offer "Run OCR" or "Recognize Text" features, allowing you to search the images on the fly.

Why 1928 Matters: Bridging the Census Gap

For genealogists, the 1928 directory is a vital tool. The 1931 Census was destroyed during the Second World War, and the 1941 Census was never taken due to the conflict. This directory serves as a critical "census substitute," placing your ancestors in a specific location just a few years after the 1921 Census and helping you track them down prior to the outbreak of WWII.

Contents of the Directory

This comprehensive volume is packed with detailed information, including:

• Court Directory (Private Residents): An alphabetical list of private residents, often distinguishing between "Gentleman," "Esq.," and other social titles of the era.
• Commercial Directory: A classified list of trades and professions. Find out if your great-grandfather was a boot and shoemaker in Leicester, a framework knitter, or a publican.
• Official Directory: Listings of local government officials, magistrates, clergy, and medical practitioners.
• Parish & Town Histories: Detailed descriptions of the topography, ancient history, and major landmarks of Leicestershire and Rutland.
• County Information: Details on the geology, agriculture, and administrative setup of the counties.

A Glimpse of Leicestershire & Rutland in 1928

This directory captures a region booming with industry and tradition.

• Industrial Powerhouse: By 1928, Leicestershire was firmly established as the center of the hosiery and footwear manufacturing world. The directory is filled with advertisements and listings for factories producing boots, shoes, and woolen goods that were shipped globally.
• Sporting Legacy: The passion for sport runs deep in these counties. This era saw the continued rise of Leicester Tigers RFC, who were already a dominant force in English rugby. The directory lists the local grounds and officials involved in the sporting life of the county.
• Famous Connections: While browsing, you may come across the residences or family names of notable figures associated with the area. Frederick Attenborough (father of Sir David and Lord Richard Attenborough) was the Principal of University College, Leicester during this period. You will also find references to the families of industrial giants who shaped the city.
• Rutland: The smallest county in England, but rich in history. The directory covers the charming towns of Oakham and Uppingham, home to the famous public school Uppingham School, which had already educated generations of the British elite, including the future actor and composer Noël Coward's contemporaries.

Map Disclaimer

We have made every effort to ensure this reproduction is complete. However, please note that occasionally the original physical directories had maps removed or damaged before they were scanned. While we hope the original county or town maps are present in your edition, we cannot guarantee their inclusion. If the maps are present, consider it a fascinating bonus to your purchase!

Product Details

• Format: PDF (Digital Download) or CD-ROM.
• Compatibility: Readable on any computer, tablet, or smartphone with a PDF reader.
• Searchability: Images only (alphabetical navigation required; OCR via modern reader recommended).