What to look for
When it comes to the house itself, although the remains of an ancient structure may lurk under more modern extensions and improvements, it is easy to be misled by later recreations of earlier building styles, often carried out with recycled or original-looking materials.
Start with the parts of the house that are more likely to have remained unaltered, like the loft space and cellar. If you find old roof timbers, you may be able roughly to date the house by the shape of the beams. Thick walls may mean stone walls under the render, or that a new facade has been added. Look for irregularities which will provide clues to past changes.
The style of existing windows, doors, fireplaces, plasterwork or roof tiles may confirm your research in the archives. Many historic features will probably have been replaced or altered, but knowing the story of what features remain should ensure their future survival.
Understanding a historic building and its setting is the key to successfully conserving it, and an integral part of good conservation practice.
Find out more ›
Further reading ›
Many people live in historic houses – researching their history can be surprising and rewarding.
Find out more ›
Further reading ›
Useful links ›