To discover a building’s history, you can begin by gathering the building’s address and any known previous names or owners. Here are detailed steps to guide you:
Local Archives and Libraries: Visit your local archives or library. Many libraries have local history sections with maps, old newspapers, and directories that can provide valuable information about a building’s past.
Land Registry: Check with the UK Land Registry to get details about property ownership, which can reveal previous owners and times of sale.
Historical Maps: Look for old maps at your local council or online through resources like the National Library of Scotland’s map collection to see how the area around the building has changed over time.
Census Records: Explore census data, available online through services such as Ancestry or Findmypast, to get information on the inhabitants or function of the building during different periods.
Heritage Listings: Check if the building is listed on the National Heritage List for England (NHLE) or its equivalent in other parts of the UK, which can provide detailed historical data and significance.
Planning Permission Records: Contact the local council’s planning department to access planning application records which might include architectural drawings or reasons for modifications over the years.
Local Historical Societies: Reach out to local historical societies or forums, as they often have detailed records and knowledgeable members who can provide insights and anecdotes.
Online Resources and Databases: Use online resources dedicated to historical exploration, such as British History Online or even social media groups related to local history.
Photographic Archives: Examine photographic archives from local sources or historical online repositories to visualize past appearances and changes.
By compiling information from these sources, you should be able to create a comprehensive picture of the building’s history.