Kelly's Directory of Staffordshire 1912 - Digital Download & CD Edition

Product Description

Unlock the history of your ancestors and the social landscape of pre-WWI Staffordshire with this exquisite republishing of Kelly's Directory of Staffordshire 1912.

Whether you are a family historian, a local researcher, or simply fascinated by the Edwardian era, this directory serves as an essential time capsule. It bridges the gap between the 1911 Census and the 1921 Census, offering a detailed snapshot of life in Staffordshire just two years before the outbreak of the Great War.

Product Format & Navigation

This directory is available as a high-quality Digital Download or on CD.

• Scanned Images: The directory consists of high-resolution scanned images of the original pages, preserving the authentic look and typography of the era.
• Searchability: While the text itself is not embedded (meaning you cannot use Ctrl+F to search initially), the directory is organized alphabetically by town and village, making navigation intuitive and simple.
• Modern Tech Compatibility: Most modern PDF readers (such as Adobe Acrobat) now feature OCR (Optical Character Recognition) on the fly. This means you can often run a search through your reader software to highlight names or places, though the primary navigation is designed to be used via the alphabetical listings.

What's Inside: Directory Breakdown

This comprehensive volume is divided into essential sections to aid your research:

1. County Information: A detailed history and topography of Staffordshire, including statistics on agriculture, geology, and government institutions.
2. Court Directory (The Private Residents): An alphabetical listing of the gentry, clergy, and prominent citizens (head of households) living in the county at the time.
3. Town & Street Directories: Comprehensive street-by-street and alphabetical listings of private residents and tradespeople for major towns such as Stoke-on-Trent, Stafford, Lichfield, Wolverhampton, and Tamworth.
4. Trades Directory: A classified commercial directory allowing you to find specific businesses (e.g., Bakers, Blacksmiths, Chemists) across the entire county.
5. Advertisements: A fascinating collection of contemporary ads for local products, services, and remedies, offering insight into the consumer habits of 1912.

Filling the Census Gaps

The 1921 Census is the next major census after 1911, and the 1931 Census was sadly destroyed by fire during WWII. This 1912 Directory is a vital census substitute, helping you trace family movements, births, marriages, and occupations in the years between the national counts.

Staffordshire in 1912: Historical Context & Famous Residents

This edition captures Staffordshire during the peak of the Industrial Revolution.

• The Potteries: In 1912, the six towns comprising Stoke-on-Trent were the center of the world's ceramic industry. You will find entries for giants like Wedgwood, Spode, and Royal Doulton.
• Famous Connections:
  • Reginald Mitchell: The future designer of the Spitfire was born in Butt Lane, Staffordshire (1895). In 1912, he would have been 17 years old, likely attending schools or beginning an apprenticeship in the area.
  • Arnold Bennett: The renowned novelist, famous for his "Clayhanger" trilogy set in the Potteries, was at the height of his fame in 1912. While he lived in London, his family roots and the settings of his books are deeply embedded in this directory.
  • Izaak Walton: The famous author of The Compleat Angler (born in Stafford centuries prior) is historically commemorated in the cathedral entries of Lichfield.
• Sport & Leisure:
  • Football: The directory lists the grounds and officials for Stoke City FC (then in the First Division) and Port Vale FC.
  • Cricket: Staffordshire County Cricket Club was active, with the county ground being listed in the Lichfield and Stafford sections.
• Industry: Beyond pottery, the county was a powerhouse for coal mining, iron foundries, and engineering. The "Trades Directory" section is thick with miners, ironmongers, and engineers.

Map Disclaimer

Please note that due to the age of the original source material and the binding process of the time, some fold-out maps or street plans may have been damaged or missing from the original book used for scanning. However, if the original map was present and in good condition, it has been included as a bonus feature in this digital/CD reproduction.

Why Buy This Directory?

• Trace your family tree between census years.
• Discover the history of your house or street.
• Explore the commercial landscape of Edwardian Staffordshire.

Digital Download available instantly after purchase. CD orders are shipped within 24 hours.