Introduction

Many people live in historic homes. Some of these will be listed or in a conservation area, which means their fabric is the subject of statutory protection. The majority are not protected in this way, so if you suspect your house contains historic fabric, researching its history can be surprising and rewarding. Research will also usually provide an understanding of how an area and community has evolved.

In the majority of cases, paying for research - which can be expensive - is not justified: given the right guidelines, work can be carried out by anyone. As a practical and personal introduction to social and architectural history, the researcher will often find it a rewarding experience.

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