Kelly's Directory of Northamptonshire 1910

Format: Digital Download (PDF) or CD-ROM

Unlock the history of your ancestors and the county of Northamptonshire with this exquisite digital replica of the 1910 Kelly’s Directory.

Perfect for genealogists, local historians, and house researchers, this directory serves as a vital time capsule from the Edwardian era. Whether you are tracing family trees or researching the history of your village, this directory provides an intimate snapshot of life in Northamptonshire just before the First World War.

Product Features & Navigation

• High-Quality Scanned Images: This is a facsimile edition consisting of actual scanned images of the original 1910 pages. While the text is not embedded (meaning you cannot simply "Ctrl+F" to search instantly), the directory is structured alphabetically by town and trade, making navigation intuitive and straightforward.
• OCR Capabilities: Most modern PDF readers (such as Adobe Acrobat or browser-based viewers) now feature "OCR on the fly." This means you can often use the search function within your reader to locate names, and you can copy and paste text into your own notes with reasonable accuracy.
• Bridging the Census Gap: This directory is an essential resource for filling the void between the 1901 and 1911 censuses. If your ancestors moved, got married, or passed away during this decade, this directory may be the only record of their residence and occupation in 1910.

What’s Inside the Directory?

This comprehensive volume is divided into several detailed sections:

1. County Information: A thorough history and topography of Northamptonshire, including details on the geology, agriculture, and main railways.
2. Court Directory (Private Residents): An alphabetical list of private residents, generally featuring the gentry, clergy, and wealthier tradespeople.
3. Commercial Directory: A classified list of trades and professions. From Blacksmiths in Brackley to Watchmakers in Wellingborough, this section allows you to see exactly who was doing business in your ancestor’s town.
4. Town & Village Histories: Detailed descriptions of the major towns (Northampton, Kettering, Wellingborough, Daventry, etc.) and smaller villages, including local landmarks, churches, and civic institutions.
5. Street Directories: Available for the larger towns, helping you pinpoint exact houses.

Local History, Fame & Industry

The 1910 directory captures Northamptonshire at the height of its industrial and agricultural diversity.

• The Boot and Shoe Industry: Northampton was the boot and shoe capital of the world during this period. The directory is filled with manufacturers and cordwainers who powered the local economy, exporting footwear across the Empire.
• Sports & Leisure: The Northamptonshire County Cricket Club was well established, and the directory lists the local grounds and officials. Association football was also rising in popularity, with local clubs thriving in the industrial towns.
• Famous Residents & Connections:
  • The Spencer Family: At Althorp, the home of the Spencer family (ancestors of Princess Diana), Charles Spencer, 6th Earl Spencer, was the prominent figure of the time. The directory details the estate and local nobility connected to the household.
  • H.E. Bates: The famous author (The Darling Buds of May) was born in Rushden in 1905. In 1910, he would have been a small child living in the town, and his father, a grocer (as depicted in his stories), may well be listed in the commercial sections.
• Notable Figures: Look out for entries regarding local MPs and magistrates who were shaping the pre-war political landscape.

Important Note Regarding Maps

Please be aware that due to the age and nature of the original source material, some fold-out maps may be missing, torn, or too delicate to reproduce in this edition. However, we are pleased to confirm that if the original maps are present and in good condition, they are included as a valuable bonus in this digital/CD package.