Uncovering the history of your home is like embarking on a fascinating detective adventure and really allows you to look through time. Every house has stories to tell – of the families who lived there, the architectural changes made through the years, and how the neighbourhood around it has evolved.
Understanding your home’s past can add more depth to your family history research and give you a connection to your ancestors and the places they lived, helping you understand more about their lives. Here is our comprehensive guide to discovering your house’s unique history.
Why Trace Your House’s History?
Before diving into research methods, let’s talk about why tracing your home or your ancestor’s house history is worthwhile:
- Personal Connection: Knowing who built your home and who lived there before you creates a deeper understanding of your living space. The same goes for tracing your ancestor’s home history, it gives you a deeper understanding of the lives they lived.
- Renovation Guidance: Understanding the original architectural features can help you make home updates while staying true to its roots.
- Community Context: A home’s story is part of the neighbourhood’s broader history.
- Potential Value: Historical significance might increase your property’s value or qualify it for historical designation.
Starting Your Research Journey
1. Gather What You Already Have
Begin by collecting documents you already have. This could include your title deeds, property survey, conveyancing papers from your purchase, any information shared by previous owners, and old photos of your house, both inside and outside.
These documents provide a foundation for your research and often contain valuable clues about your house’s past.
2. Interview Previous Owners and Neighbours
People are invaluable resources for house history. Try to contract previous owners if possible and talk with long-time neighbours who may remember details about the house from decades past.
Reach out to local historical societies, where volunteers often have extensive knowledge about houses in the area. Don’t forget to connect with neighbourhood social media groups where residents might share historical photos or memories related to your street or house.
3. Dive Into Public Records
Public records offer concrete documentation of your house’s past:
Property Deeds and Tax Records
- Search the HM Land Registry or ownership records (dating back to 1862)
- Request copies of title registers and title plans
- For older properties, visit local record offices or archives for historic title deeds
Building Permits
- Check with your local council’s planning department
- Look for records of major renovations, additions, or repairs
- These often include architectural drawings or planning applications
Census Records
- Access historical census data through The National Archives (available from 1841-1921)
- The 1939 Register provides information about residents at the outbreak of WWII
- Find information about previous occupants, their occupations, and family structures
4. Explore Maps and Photographs
Visual records provide context for your house’s development:
Historical Maps
- Ordinance Survey maps show how your area developed over time
- Tithe maps (1836-1869) show land ownership and use. Check out our blog by Judith Bachelor for more information on Tithe records and how to use them in your research
- Valuation Office Survey maps (1910-1915) provide detailed property information
Aerial Photographs
- Check local archives for historical aerial photography collections
- The Britan from Above collection offer aerial views from the 1920s onward
- The Historic England archive includes aerial photographs dating back to WWI
Historical Photographs
- Local history societies often have regularly updated photo archives
- County record offices may have historical photographs of your area
- The Francis Frith Collection includes historical photographs of many UK locations
5. Research Architectural Style
Understanding your home’s architectural features helps place it in a historical context. Take time to identify characteristic elements of the house’s design and look into why it was built in that way or why that style was popular. Look for similar houses in your area of comparison and consult architectural guidebooks specific to your region for insights into common features and why modifications were made over time.
Advanced Research Techniques
If you want to research deeper:
Local Studies Libraries and Archives
County record offices, local studies libraries and archives hold collections relevant to your area. These might include rate books, electronic registers, and local directories that can provide information about previous occupants and how your property was used.
Newspaper Archives
The British Newspaper Archive and local library microfilm collections can be invaluable sources of information. Search for mentions of your address or previous owners, look for neighbourhood development news, and check property adverts that can provide information about original features and selling points from when your home was previously on the market.
Parish Records
For older properties, parish records can provide valuable information. These might include church rate books, overseers’ accounts, and other documents that recorded local property ownership and taxes.
Useful Resources
- Historic England: Maintains the National Heritage List of listed buildings and offers resources for house history research.
- The National Archives: Holds online collections including maps, wills, and tax records.
- British History Online: Provides digital access to historical texts, maps, and surveys.
- Victoria County History: Detailed histories of English counties and parishes.
Document Your Findings
As you gather information, create a comprehensive record by organising physical documents chronologically and creating digital backups of important findings (make sure you do not skip this step!). Compile a timeline of ownership and significant changes to your property.
Consider creating a ‘house history book’ that combines documents, photographs, and a narrative to share with family members or future owners.
Sharing Your House History
Once you’ve compiled your research. Here are some ways you can share your discoveries:
- Host a house history gathering for neighbours
- Create a display of historical photos and documents
- Consider applying for blue plaque status if a notable person lived in your home
- Share your research process with local history societies
Tracing your home’s history is a rewarding journey that can help you get a deeper understanding of your home, your ancestors, and your neighbourhood. While it requires patience and some detective work, the stories you uncover will be worth it.
If you need any assistance in discovering more about the history of your house, don’t hesitate to get in touch and see how we can help you.
