finding history of a house?

[farmernarmer]

apologise if this is in the wrong place. I wanted to try and find out some history on a house. I have no idea on how or where to start. It is quite a old house i think, but i have no idea how old!

can anyone offer any advise?

I will bump it up. I would like to know too.

bump

Anyone?

The planning history should be available through the planning dept - although you'll have to go in to look at paper copies or microfiche before about 1990 (or later!). You can get a lot from the deeds too - eg who has owned it when.

Historical maps are also a good source - your local library may have some.

How far back are you looking? My next door neighbour can remember my house being built (1926).

How do you get to see the deeds? I want to go back to approx 1905.

I particularly want to know who owned it in 1920.

We were really lucky and the previous owners left us various documents relating to our house which was built in 1904. We even have the original builders specification. It cost £1,000 to build - we told our builder that he was only adding on an extension so we assumed his bill would be less. He disagree!

Our house was built by a man who was married and had three sons. They all lived here with a live in maid.

Alexander Fleming's son lived here for a while.

We also have some Ariel photos taken before various bits of land were sold off and built on.

Have you checked census records (assuming it's older than 1911)? It can be difficult in villages to work out which house is which, but in towns with streets it's much easier.

Your local records office would be a good place to start and the staff are usually really helpful.

When we bought our house a parcel came shortly afterwards from the solicitors which has a copy of every conveyancing document each time it's been sold, and some older wills and things from when it was owned by the local landowner (our house was originally a farmworkers cottage) - it's a lovely set of things to have.

we were given the deeds/land maps ect when we bought our house.

It isn't my house and 1911 is no help for 1920. I suppose I can just wait for the 1921 census.

I know it's no help to you, OP, but i thought about it as soon as I saw your title - Findmypast have free access at the moment to the 1881 census, including addresses!

Hth anyone else (smile)

our house may well go back a few hundred years!

Is there a local historical society, heritage group etc?

Perhaps even a family history society that might have some info?

You could try landregistry.gov.uk. They keep details of land ownership. Presumably they keep historical records of previous owners, not just current owners. They charge a fee but you can request info.