Kelly's Directory Of Norwich 1956

Kelly's Directory of Norwich 1956 – Digital Download or CD-ROM

Step back into the vibrant, post-war era of Norwich with a high-quality digital reproduction of Kelly's Directory of Norwich 1956. Captured as exact scanned images of the original book, this essential genealogical and historical resource allows you to walk the streets of mid-20th-century Norwich from the comfort of your home.

Available instantly as a Digital Download or shipped to your door on a CD-ROM, this directory is a must-have for family historians and local historians alike.

Navigating the Directory: Format & Searchability

Please note that because this is a collection of high-resolution scanned images, it is not inherently text-searchable in the traditional sense. However, do not let that deter you! Kelly's Directories were meticulously compiled in strict alphabetical order—both by street and by surname—making it incredibly easy and intuitive to navigate to the section you need.

Pro-Tip: Many modern PDF readers (such as Adobe Acrobat) feature "OCR on the fly" technology. This means you can often use the standard search bar (Ctrl+F / Cmd+F) to search for surnames or street names, and your PDF reader will scan the images and highlight the text for you!

Bridging the Census Gap

For genealogists, the 1950s represent a notorious "black hole." The 1931 census was destroyed in WWII, the 1941 census was never taken due to the war, and the 1951 census will not be released to the public until 2052. Kelly's 1956 Directory is a vital substitute, allowing you to pinpoint exactly where your ancestors lived and worked during this inaccessible period.

What’s Inside? (Directory Sections)

This comprehensive volume is divided into highly useful sections:

• Norwich Historical & Topographical Information: A detailed overview of the city’s civic infrastructure, magistrates, city council members, and public institutions in 1956.
• Street Directory: An alphabetical list of every street in Norwich, detailing the head of the household or business at each specific house number. Perfect for mapping out neighborhoods.
• Commercial & Trade Directory: Find out what your ancestors did for a living. Alphabetical by trade (from bakers and blacksmiths to wire workers and wool staplers), followed by an alphabetical list of the merchants and tradespeople themselves.
• Private Residents Directory: An alphabetical list of the private, professional, and gentry residents of Norwich (excluding tradesmen unless they also had a private residence).
• Official Information: Lists of local churches, schools, hospitals, police forces, and postal arrangements.

Norwich in 1956: A City in Transition

The mid-1950s were a fascinating time for Norwich. The city was rebuilding and modernizing after the heavy bombing of WWII, yet it remained deeply proud of its historic medieval architecture and its status as the capital of Norfolk.

• Industrial Powerhouse: In 1956, Norwich was still a massive hub for traditional industries. The air would have smelled of mustard from Colman's (still a major employer in the city) and chocolate from Mackintosh's (which had absorbed the local Caley's chocolate factory). The city was also globally renowned for its shoe manufacturing, with factories like Norvic and Start-rite employing thousands of local men and women.
• Sporting Life: Norwich City FC (The Canaries) were playing in the Football League Third Division South during the 1955-56 season, drawing passionate crowds to Carrow Road. The city also boasted a strong cricketing tradition at the County Ground.
• Music & Culture: While the rock-and-roll revolution was just beginning to cross the Atlantic, Norwich maintained a strong tradition of classical and choral music, deeply tied to its magnificent Norman Cathedral. The city was also home to the beloved Jarrold & Sons department store, which served as a cultural hub for literature and arts.
• Notable Residents & Connections: While scanning the pages, you may come across the names of local figures who shaped the city. This era includes the presence of the Colman family (who still held immense local influence), prominent local politicians, and the shadow of legendary Norfolk figures like Admiral Lord Nelson (born just up the road in Burnham Thorpe), whose legacy still heavily influenced Norwich's civic identity in the 1950s.

Important Disclaimer Regarding Maps

Please Note: Original copies of Kelly's directories occasionally had their pull-out maps removed by previous owners, or the maps were too fragile to survive the scanning process. Therefore, we cannot guarantee that the original map of Norwich is included in this digital edition. However, if the map is present in the original scanned book, we consider it a fantastic bonus inclusion!

System Requirements & Delivery

• Format: High-resolution PDF files.
• Delivery: Choose between an instant Digital Download (receive a download link immediately after checkout) or a CD-ROM (physically shipped to your address).
• Compatibility: Readable on any PC, Mac, tablet, or smartphone using standard PDF reader software.

Unlock the secrets of your Norwich ancestors today. Add Kelly's Directory of 1956 to your cart and start exploring!