Tracing the History of Houses

The house you live in may be decades or even centuries old and much may have changed since it was originally built - windows and doors replaced, and even major structural alterations made. To trace its history may seem a daunting task but there will be clues to dating it if you know what to look for. Trevor Yorke explains the various sources of information available which can help date the building such as maps and estate surveys, histories of the locality; and also those documents available which can name those who may have lived in it previously, for instance, census returns and trade directories.