TheGenealogist Unveils Major Directory Records Collection with Over 5 Million Records
TheGenealogist has announced a significant expansion of its historical records collection with the release of over 5 million directory records, primarily focusing on the post World War II era. This extensive collection provides researchers with invaluable insights into the lives of residents and businesses of individuals across the United Kingdom during a transformative period in British history.
The new release includes comprehensive directories from major cities and regions throughout the UK from the mid-19th century to the 1950s. These directories serve as crucial resources for genealogists, historians and researchers interested in tracing family histories, understanding local businesses and exploring social history.
Winston Churchill in the London Post Office Directory, Vol. 1, 1922
The collection is particularly notable for its inclusion of:
- Residential names and addresses
- Professional listings
- Street directories
- Commercial and trade directories
- Business advertisements
- Municipal information
Mark Bayley, Head of Content at TheGenealogist, states: “With the 1931 Census lost to fire, no 1941 Census taken due to the war and the 1951 census under wraps for another 25 years, these directories serve as an invaluable substitute—acting like a head-of-household census for residential and business listings. Offering a fascinating glimpse into life in wartime and post-war Britain, they provide detailed information on individuals and businesses during a period of significant social change, making them an essential resource for family historians and researchers alike.”
For more information about TheGenealogist's Directory Records collection or to begin searching these records, visit.https://www.thegenealogist.co.uk/directories/
We discovered the Scottish explorer Isobel Wylie Hutchison with this release - read her story here: https://www.thegenealogist.co.uk/featuredarticles/2025/a-scottish-lady-in-the-arctic-the-remarkable-life-of-isobel-wylie-hutchison-7987/