House History Tool – Local History

1. Introduction & Libraries

The local history of the area in which your house was built is an important element to your houses history. Finding out your local history can give you an amazing insight into the events that shaped the local community and can help you find out why your house was built and who might have lived there.

Train lines, factories, office blocks, coal mines and farmland, for example, are often factors as to why your house was built where it was and can indicate who might have lived there.

Researching the history of your local community is a rewarding task. You can find plenty of information in even the smallest resource: An old map, a place name, old photographs or within local historical records. For more information on how to do this go to the Online Guide on your research desk.

This guide will help point you in the right direction, and give you advice on how to utilise the local information in your area.

Useful Link
The British Library


Expert's Archive

Expert's Archive

If you've got as far as you can go and need some advice, then we can help. Check out our Expert's Archive and FAQs...

Read more ►

Get E-mail reminders

Get E-mail Reminders

Sign up to receive our free e-mail updates for the latest information from the Hidden House History team.