House History Tool – Local History
Quick Links
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5. Links to Local History Resources
Here are a selection of links that you might find useful in researching your house history. Further links are available in our “links” section and within each of the research guides on your research desk.
Old Maps
Websites that carry old Ordnance Survey maps should allow you look at least one old map of your local area. You should print these maps out so that you can clearly see your street/house location and the surrounding area.
Google
Using a search engine can be a great way of finding out where local information is, it can also be a great way of finding out about local landmarks nearby use www.google.co.uk or www.msn.co.uk. Use the Online Guide on your research desk for more information on how to use your search engine more effectively.
Francis Frith
Sites such as The Francis Frith collection, allow you to view old photographs, aerial images and historic maps. Search their collection by location, using your town name or postcode, and find out what the countryside surrounding your town, or your high street looked like in the mid nineteenth century.
Wikipedia – The Free Encyclopaedia
This site is an excellent resource for searching for information on your local history. Draw upon our advice in ‘Google It’, search initially by town and then search local landmarks from your area. This site should help you find information which will further your research.
English Heritage
If you live in London, this site can be used to discover the location of any blue plaques in your vicinity. You can also use it to find out more about any estates or old properties in your surrounding area. Comprehensive information on artistic interiors and exteriors, the reason why the building was built and historic gardens are included.
The National Library of Wales
This library holds every printed work published in Britain and Ireland since 1911. It houses thousands of manuscripts, pictures, photographs, maps, sound recordings and moving images. Check this website before planning to visit the library to ensure they hold the information you are looking for.
British History Online
This is a free digital library containing some of the core printed primary and secondary sources from medieval to modern British Isles History. Draw upon our advice in the “Google It” section and utilise this sites search facility.
British Association for Local History
This provides useful advice on the best ways to investigate the history of your area, and offers you the opportunity to join groups of local historians.
Charles Booth Online Archive
This site is London specific. It contains fascinating insight into the research compiled by Charles Booth regarding life and labour in the capital between 1886 and 1903. You can view poverty maps which colour code the intensity of the poverty in specific areas during this period.
