Researching property history

[Turbo-G]

Hi,
We've recently moved into an Edwardian property, which we estimate to have been built in 1906, although haven't seen anything other than the surveyor report to confirm this.

As part of the renovation I was hoping to do a bit of research, and discover the history of the property.

I started out with the 1911 census, of which our house is missing. Door numbers immediately below and above ours are present, but there are numerous other omissions. This would suggest that nobody was home on the night of the 1911 census, or of course the house didn't exist - which wouldn't make sense as there are door numbers above our own.

Our solicitor has done a little research based on their office copies, and has been able to identify when the house was sold to the current vendor (in 1959), who are now deceased, and their partner who passed away in 1971 (according to a London gazette entry online).

Where would you take it from here? Must admit this is the first time I've researched a property. Without an entry in the census. I can't be sure it existed pre 1911 as we first thought!

Thanks in advance.

 

[plasticpigeon]

There may be an ordnance survey map of your area from that time available. I bought one for my area which was from 1902 with updates in 1911. They are only £2.50 + p&p so worth a shot. Here is a link to the publisher.

http://www.alangodfreymaps.co.uk/

 

[Gareth Hughes]

Or you can have a look for free here:
http://www.old-maps.co.uk/maps.html

 

[Turbo-G]

Thanks for that. Managed to see the property on a 1921 map, but it was missing on a 1901 map. Need to see something from around 1910 ideally.

 

[worms]

You also need to check whether any particular map was a proper resurvey or simply an update (which may or may not be complete). My property is present on the 1906 map but not on the 1870 one. This is strange as the design is mid 1800s and the farm house and cottage are on the 1876 map but not the stable block in between, which later became the house that we are in. The maps may be correct and the stables built much later than the farmhouse, but it is a bit odd and there are other mapping anomalies in the village which leave me doubting and there are two other very similar buildings which are on the 1870 map which suggests that this may have been built at a similar time.

 

[Elldot]

Although modern day 'planning permission' was not required the builder would have had to submit plans to the local council (to show that the house was to be built in accordance with regulations).

Try the local council's record office. Some councils has an online catalogue index that you can search. Try just entering the street or house name. You will have to go to the records office to view the actual records.

 

[Lindyboo]

I presume you’ve checked earlier census records, to be on the safe side? You might find the address and the residents listed in business or street directories, which were common in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. I have access to some if that will help you.

 

[Ebenezer]

How do you research history that goes back further than available maps? Our house is early 1700s and looks to be on all the maps I can find. Can't find any reference on any census' not the free ones anyway! Although I don't know if I'm searching them properly.

 

[Lindyboo]

How do you research history that goes back further than available maps? Our house is early 1700s and looks to be on all the maps I can find. Can't find any reference on any census' not the free ones anyway! Although I don't know if I'm searching them properly.

Ebenezer - if your house is one of the grander type it may be mentioned in local records, such as land registers and newspapers, so your reference library would be a good place to look. Staff in such places tend to be pretty good at pointing you to the sort of records where you might find what you need. If you’re lucky your library might have online access, though in general the UK is poorly served by online libraries and has very few digitized newspapers. If your house has ecclesiastical connections then the church records may have something. If it forms part of a former estate the records of that estate might have some info.
You probably know that census records in England only go back to 1841, with a few exceptions where records have survived from 1801, which was the first census, though the info they contain prior to 1841 is scant and rarely helpful.

Which free census records have you used? I’m only aware of the 1881 as a freebie?

You might get some free assistance from Rootschat.com, which is a family history forum I use and is peopled by friendly souls who can offer look-ups and exchange info. There are some experienced and knowledgeable researchers on there who might help and there’s plenty of advice available.

 

[Ebenezer]

How do you research history that goes back further than available maps? Our house is early 1700s and looks to be on all the maps I can find. Can't find any reference on any census' not the free ones anyway! Although I don't know if I'm searching them properly.

Ebenezer - if your house is one of the grander type it may be mentioned in local records, such as land registers and newspapers, so your reference library would be a good place to look. Staff in such places tend to be pretty good at pointing you to the sort of records where you might find what you need. If you’re lucky your library might have online access, though in general the UK is poorly served by online libraries and has very few digitized newspapers. If your house has ecclesiastical connections then the church records may have something. If it forms part of a former estate the records of that estate might have some info.
You probably know that census records in England only go back to 1841, with a few exceptions where records have survived from 1801, which was the first census, though the info they contain prior to 1841 is scant and rarely helpful.

Which free census records have you used? I’m only aware of the 1881 as a freebie?

You might get some free assistance from Rootschat.com, which is a family history forum I use and is peopled by friendly souls who can offer look-ups and exchange info. There are some experienced and knowledgeable researchers on there who might help and there’s plenty of advice available.

Thanks. I think it may have been the 1881 census. I can't remember the website I used now. Unfortunately we are not lucky enough to have a grand house. Just a modest 2 bed cottage which I suppose makes it much harder as the people who lived here would have been unknown. There is a large estate it may have been part of and also is very close to the church so that may be a good avenue.

 

[Elldot]

Ebeneezer, I can check the censuses for you.
If you would like to email me.
Regards Ele anor

 

[Ebenezer]

Ebeneezer, I can check the censuses for you.
If you would like to email me.
Regards Ele anor

Thanks Elenor that would be very helpful if you could! I will send you an email.