Do I need to visit this location?

[Friedeggsandcustard]

I write historical fiction and I have had an idea for a new story. It is based on real events and real people and is set in a town I don’t really know. I have only been there briefly and it was a while ago - I certainly wasn’t planning this story at the time ( although my visit was related to some of the themes)

Previously I have done years of research for other projects but this one is coming together quickly. The town is at the other end of the country from where I live and, realistically, I won’t be able to visit for a long time ( years probably)

I can see from online research that the area has changed hugely since the story was set and the pertinent building in the story no longer exists.. The whole area is a shopping centre!

Is it essential to have visited the setting for a story before you start writing?

Yes, if you don't then you get things wrong and it's very irritating when you read a book that is set somewhere you know and the detail is ridiculous. I've read books before now where the author has clearly done no research as the name was spelt wrong or the town was on the wrong river, that kind of thing.

If the town has completely changed since the period your story is set in, what is it you'd be looking to research for your book?

Would it be an option to write based on your memories/online research and find a local beta reader through a writers' forum who could check for any clangers of the sort brizzle mentions?

Thanks for the feedback. In an ideal world I’d like to do a proper research trip before I begin, but I think Valeta’s idea is a good one. I would hopefully be able to make a visit in the future and can always revise any clangers, but I’m itching to get started while its bouncing in my head. To pause it until I’ve been might kill the project anyway.

I think it depends.
If you're portraying a real event that happened there, then I think you do.
If it's fiction, as in entirely made up, then you can usually get away with mixing things up and using fictional names.

Ideally one would visit, but it isn't always possible. Many of the howlers I've seen in fiction, contemporary or historical, could have been avoided if the author had only looked at a map.

You can find old maps online which will show the previous street layout. Google Earth has a function whereby you can view old aerial views of a place. And many libraries have put their collections of old photos online.

Or you could just set the whole story in a fictional town based on the real one.

Historical fiction I'd say yes but no rush. I'd say get started , book a trip and you can add all the info and details later ,x