Discover how to research the history of your house, from who lived in it to when it was built.
How to Find Out About Your Home's History
Every home has a story to tell, and this page will help you understand what you can do to uncover its architectural history and help trace the occupants of your house over time.
Step 1: Find out how old your house is.
Is your house listed? The National Heritage List for England (NHLE) records a brief overview of the date of construction and significant features of every listed building in England; this is a great place to start.
- If your house is listed, you may be able to find photographs and stories contributed by members of the public to our Missing Pieces Project on the List Entry for your home.
If your house is not listed, try to spot visual clues, such as plaques or carvings that specify the date it was built. Talk to your neighbors and other members of your local community and read up on the history of your area to get an idea of its history and when buildings around you were built.
What to look out for:
Older properties may have an 'Erected' date or the house's name carved into the façade.
If your home is in a converted church, chapel, pub, or school, the building may have a name plaque on the front wall. Converted pubs often retain their name up high on the parapet.
Street numbering (and often street names) may have changed over time, especially in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Step 2: Get familiar with your local area and its history.
- Is your house in a village, suburb, town, or city? You can find this information through the Victoria Country History Series, the Survey of London, and on the British History Online website. Having a general understanding of the area can be helpful when researching an individual house’s history.
- What administrative area is your house in? Search for the names of the county, registration district, and parish where your home is located. Noting these details will help you know where to look when locating records.
Local Research
Local history societies may also be able to help you. You should be able to find details of your nearest one and other helpful information on the Local History Online website.
Once you are familiar with your area and county, find your local county record offices and archives. They may be able to help you find records and documents about your home.
Step 3: What do you want to know about your home?
- You can find out about your home's architectural history, how it has changed over time, and the part it has played in its surroundings using old maps, plans and photographs
- You can find out who has lived in your home over time using the census, electoral registers, title deeds and other archive material.
Search our Archive
You may be able to find old photographs of your local area in our archive. These can give you an idea of what the community was like in the 19th, 20th and 21st century.
Historical plaque schemes
Many local authorities and societies run schemes to commemorate important local historical events and people with a plaque fixed to a relevant building. These plaques can help better understand the life and work of people who lived in your home.
For example, Historic England is running a national blue plaques scheme to celebrate people throughout history who made important and positive contributions to human welfare or happiness across England.
Research Your Home's History
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How to Find Out Who Lived in My House
This page shows you how you can research who lived in or owned your house and sets out resources to help you.
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Trace Your Home's Architectural History
You can trace the architectural history of your house through old maps, photographs and written records.
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Further Resources
You will find a list of useful websites and online information to help you in your research, along with some suggestions of further reading.
