A man and a woman pushing a pram along Dorchester Hill and past the New Inn at Lower Bryanston.
The New Inn, Dorchester Hill, Lower Bryanston, Blandford St. Mary, Dorset. © Historic England View photo AA091511
The New Inn, Dorchester Hill, Lower Bryanston, Blandford St. Mary, Dorset. © Historic England View photo AA091511

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.

On this page
  1. Step 1: Find out how old your house is.
  2. Step 2: Get familiar with your local area and its history.
  3. Step 3: What do you want to know about your home?
  4. Historical plaque schemes

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 neighbours 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?

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.

Search the Archive

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

Also of interest

A Guide to Traditional English Buildings
Owning an Older Home
What's New in Your Area