How to start
Your research might start with the history of the neighbourhood, village or town where the house is. Local history and amenity societies are a good source of information, and most public libraries have sections devoted to local history, with maps and old photographs.
Local place names can provide valuable clues: Iron Lane might indicate the former existence of a thriving local industry, for example, or a pub names might suggest that a property was formerly part of a large estate.
Don’t forget the value of oral history: elderly neighbours who have lived most of their lives nearby can be an invaluable source of information.
Understanding a historic building and its setting is the key to successfully conserving it, and an integral part of good conservation practice.
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Further reading ›
Many people live in historic houses – researching their history can be surprising and rewarding.
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Further reading ›
Useful links ›