Publications of yesteryear give a fascinating insight into life in Oxford in the past.

The guide book to Oxfordshire, which Henry Spilberg bought in a charity shop, is no exception.

Mr Spilberg, of Fern Hill Road, Cowley, writes: "For me, the most interesting things are the advertisements for local companies, many of which are still household names."

Webbers, in High Street and at Cowley Centre, had "the reputation for supplying the best quality and value in furniture, bedding, carpets, linoleums, curtains and household linens".

John Allen & Ford, of Littlemore Road, Wheatley, offered "everything in plant hire", while WP Spearman Ltd, of Red Bridge Works, Abingdon Road, were experts in industrial and domestic heating.

Other prominent advertisers were Frederick J Minns and Co, building contractors, of West Way; Lucy's of Oxford, manufacturers of electrical distribution switchgear at its Eagle Ironworks in Walton Well Road; Dix, of Standlake, which supplied ballast; and the Witney Blanket Company, with the "finest quality bedding".

The brewery industry featured prominently, with advertisements for Morrells, Brakspears and Hunt Edmunds.

Other firms included Hambridge's coaches in Lyne Road, Kidlington; builders HA Bennett and Sons, of Horse Fair, Chipping Norton; R&E Potter, agricultural engineers, of High Street, Thame; estate agents Model Homesteads, of King Edward Street, Oxford; and John Allen & Sons, of Cowley, which offered all types of horticultural machinery.

Among others were two well-known building firms - Kingerlee and Hinkins & Frewin - and two motor dealers, Hartwells, of Oxford Road, Kidlington, and Park End Street, Oxford; and Cherwell Motors, of Banbury Road, Oxford.

The guide was produced by Ed J Burrow & Co, publishers of Cheltenham and London. No date is given, but at the time, Oxford telephone numbers were all five figures.

Any memories of the firms above?