Addressing History

AddressingHistory links digitised historical Scottish Post Office Directories to contemporaneous historical maps, with a 'crowdsourcing' tool to allow the community to correct, geo-code and enhance the data.

Covering the central area of Edinburgh for the periods 1784-5, 1865 and 1905-6 this is an important resource for a broad spectrum of researchers within and beyond academia (such as local history groups and geneaologists). Directories and Maps can be searched for 'people', 'place' and 'profession' and results can be viewed on modern and historic maps.

How can this collection be used in teaching, studying and research?

Historical researchers will find that the geocoded data adds significant value to the digitised directories and maps. The API is available and directory entries can be downloaded in JSON, TXT and KML formats.

Highlights from this collection

Browse the digitised directories for a flavour of historic Edinburgh life - in 1784 James Abernethy, Cork Cutter is listed next to the Earl of Aboyne.