Kelly's Directory Of Northamptonshire 1914

Kelly's Directory of Northamptonshire 1914 - Digital Download or CD

Product Description:

Step back in time to the eve of the First World War with this pristine republishing of Kelly's Directory of Northamptonshire 1914. An essential resource for genealogists, local historians, and house researchers, this directory offers a fascinating snapshot of life in "The County of Spires" just as the Edwardian era was drawing to a close.

Whether you are tracing your family tree or researching the history of your village, this directory provides the missing link between the 1911 Census and the 1921 survey.

How to Use This Directory

This product is a high-quality digital scan of the original book, available as an instant digital download or on a physical CD.

• Format: The directory consists of scanned images presented in a PDF format.
• Navigability: While the text is not electronically embedded (meaning you cannot simply "Ctrl+F" to search names), the directory is compiled alphabetically by parish and by surname within the private and commercial sections. This structured layout makes finding your ancestors surprisingly intuitive and fast.
• Search Tip: Most modern PDF readers (such as Adobe Acrobat or Edge) offer "OCR on the fly." This means you can often use the search function in your viewer to find keywords, though accuracy depends on the clarity of the original print.

Bridging the Census Gaps

For many researchers, the 1921 Census is the next major port of call after 1911, but the 1931 Census was lost to fire during WWII. Directories like this 1914 edition are vital for filling those "ten-year gaps." They allow you to track where your ancestors lived, confirm their occupations, and see if they moved house or changed trades in the years leading up to the Great War.

What’s Inside Northamptonshire in 1914?

This directory provides a comprehensive survey of the county, divided into easy-to-use sections:

1. County Information: A detailed topographical account of Northamptonshire, including its history, geology, agriculture, and the main seats of the nobility and gentry.
2. Court Directory (The Private Residents): An alphabetical list of private residents heads of households. This is invaluable for finding landed gentry, professionals, and wealthier farmers.
3. Commercial Directory: An alphabetical listing of tradespeople and merchants. From the boot and shoe manufacturers of Northampton to the ironstone labourers of Corby.
4. Trades Directory: A classified section where you can search by profession. Looking for a baker in Kettering or a solicitor in Daventry? You will find them here.
5. Advertisements: A wonderful collection of period advertisements promoting local products, from "horseless carriages" to proprietary medicines, offering a colorful glimpse into the consumer culture of 1914.

A Snapshot of Northamptonshire Life (1914)

Northamptonshire in 1914 was a hub of industry and agriculture. While the country held its breath on the brink of war, life in the Midlands carried on with a distinct vibrancy.

• Industry – The Home of Footwear: Northamptonshire was the heart of the British shoe industry. In 1914, towns like Northampton, Wellingborough, Rushden, and Higham Ferrers were dominated by factories producing boots and shoes, many of which would soon be supplying the British Army.
• Sport: Walter Tull, one of English football's first black professional players and the first black officer in the British Army, was playing for Northampton Town FC (The Cobblers) in 1914. He made 110 appearances for the club before enlisting in the Middlesex Regiment in December of that year.
• Famous Residents: The directory includes listings for the Spencer family at Althorp, the ancestral home of the Earls Spencer (and later, Princess Diana). The family was deeply embedded in the county's social fabric during this period.
• Interesting Facts: The "Steeplejacks" of Northamptonshire were famous across the country for maintaining the tall chimneys and church spires that dot the landscape. Additionally, the county was a major centre for the extraction of ironstone, fueling the steelworks of the region.

Map Disclaimer

Please Note: Due to the age of the original source material, the fold-out maps that occasionally accompanied the binding of this directory are sometimes missing or damaged. We have made every effort to include any maps available, but we cannot guarantee the presence of the original county map. If the map is present in the scanned source material, it will be included as a bonus.

Product Specifications

• Format: PDF (Scanned Images)
• Compatibility: Compatible with PC, Mac, iPad, and Android devices.
• Delivery:
  • Digital Download: You will receive a link to download the file immediately after purchase.
  • CD Option: A physical CD will be shipped to your address (shipping rates apply).