House History

[Shamana]

Hi ,
Is there a good way of finding 'house histories' My house was built 1917 but there was a cottage on the site prior to that. I've tried putting the address in the census search but it didn't search.
I know maps etc will show me the property but knowing the people who lived here and what they did etc.  will make it much more interesting.
Cheers

[tinav40]

http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/househistory/guide/
Not sure how useful is will be. 

[tinav40]

http://www.hiddenhousehistory.co.uk/
Or this

[Shamana]

Thanks again looks interesting

[aghadowey]

Are there deeds for the property which would list previous owners? If so, you can go to local directories if they exist for the area.

[Shamana]

yes I have the deeds for my house built 1917 but no info on the original cottage I think it was called Aberdauddwr. I was just wondering if there is a quick way of getting and address up on the census returns to save trawling through them. Hadn't thought of local directories, would I find these in local library/archives?

[aghadowey]

Check with your local library first to see what resources they have - they should be able to suggest where to look for local directories, newspapers (perhaps indexed if you are lucky), etc.
Is there a historical society or history group in your area- they would probably be quite helpful.

[Shamana]

Aw thanks for that I seems like a good fun project for my next annual leave.

[aghadowey]

Also suggest asking any older folks in the area if they remember anything about the inhabitants. They might be able to tell you things they remember hearing from their parents and grandparents.
If the cottage did have a name as the local minister(s) for a look through their church records as you might get names and dates from baptisms, etc. Stroll through the local graveyards looking for the house name on headstones...