How Old is My House? 

Would you like to know how old your house is? Have you wondered about the people who lived there before you or what the area was like when it was built? County record offices and local libraries hold many of the sources that can help you uncover the history of your house.

Architectural features can tell you much about the age of your home. Some typical features are demonstrated in the sketches displayed in the local history gallery at Hove Museum & Art Gallery.

Title deeds are the best starting point for research, as they may contain references to other documents or to previous owners. Deeds are held by banks, building societies and solicitors. Older deeds may have been deposited at county record offices, libraries or local museums.

Property dates can often be found using maps and surveys. If you live in a town try looking at the Ordnance Survey maps or building control plans. Tithe maps are more useful if you live in a rural area. Land tax returns, the 1910 Finance Act valuation books, rate books and estate agents records may also provide valuable information.

Finding out who used to live in your house can also give a flavour of its past. This can be done through census returns, electoral registers and street and trade directories. You may find even wills and lists of belongings of past inhabitants are held.

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