How to Research Your House

A guide to land history and property records

About this Site

Welcome to the online version of "How to Research Your House". On this site, you can read the full text of "How to Research Your House". This book shows you how to search your house history, pointing you towards sources such as the land registry records and ordnance survey maps. You can also check out the author's blog, interact in the forum, find useful websites in the directory, sign up for our newsletter, or download the PDF version of the ebook from the online store.

About the Author

Pamela Brooks, a novelist, journalist and local history aficionado, has spent a great deal of time in archives researching her previous books, including Norwich: Stories of a City and Norwich, Street by Street. Here she passes on her first-hand experience, practical tips and key websites to support your research. Pamela is also author of How To Research Local History published September 2006 by How To Books. She is based in Torquay.

Chapter List

Introduction Researching The History Of Your House; Types Of Sources; Working Backwards; Using This Book;
Preparing To Research Recording The Property As It Is Now; Where Is The Property Situated?; Changes To The Property; What Do You Already Know?; Which Sources Do You Need To Consult?; Record-Keeping; Visiting The Record Office; Working With Original Documents;
Secondary Sources Pevsner; Victoria County History; Department Of Environment List; Standard Local History; Monographs; Websites; Street Directories;
The Architecture Of Your House – External Features Keeping It In Context; Plan Of The House; Physical Attributes Of The Building; Roof Shapes, Gables And Parapets; Chimneys; Date Stones, Inscriptions And Fire Insurance Plaques; Boundaries; Outhouses;
The Architecture Of Your House – Internal Features Doors; Windows; Glass; Internal Features; Case Study: Mill House, Attleborough;
The Building Itself: Maps, Photographs And Sketches 1910–15 Valuation Maps (Domesday); Ordnance Survey Maps; Tithe Apportionments And Maps; Enclosure Maps And Awards; Road Order Maps; Town Plans; Other Maps; Using Maps; Sketches; Photographs;
The Building Itself: Other Documents Sales Particulars; Newspaper Advertisements; Deposited Plans; Building Control Plans; Private Estate Maps; Specialist Buildings;
Who Lived There? Deeds And Taxation Records Title Deeds; Land Registry; Manorial Documents; Taxation Records; Rate Books;
Who Lived There? Personal Records Census Returns; Parish Registers (Baptisms, Deaths, Marriages); International Genealogical Index; Street Directories; Electoral Registers; Wills And Probate Records; Insurance Records; Bankruptcy Records; Court Records;
Other Sources Newspapers; Local Historians; Oral History;