Who owned 55 Elizabeth Street in 1872

[Grandma Cas]

Hi All,

My husbands grandfather was born at 55 Elizabeth Street, St George Hanover Square, Belgrave, Middlesex, in 1872. His name was William John James Wills, parents William George & Caroline Wills.

I'm trying to find out who owned the property, it may have been his grandparents John & Hannah (nee Hay) Wills but need to confirm this.

Any idea on how to go about this would be much appreciated.

Merry Christmas  to All
Carol

[toni*]

you would need to contact the local RO and see if they hold the rate books for that period for that property, i suspect they are indexed by road rather than person
these rate books should tell you
however rate books are a new are of research for me and i am not sure what years are covered 
it is common for the tenant to pay the rates (parish or council) rather than the owner unless the property was empty in which case the owner would pay but maybe a reduced rate.
the rate books should note who owned the proeprty and who paid the 'rates'

you could search the ordance survey maps along side the land registry to see who owned the property (again not sure what years are covered i know ordance survey began fully circa 1850)  in the early days some maps were marked with a c in a cricle F do. or L do for copyhold, freehold or leasehold.

if the property belonged to a manor you could search the manorial rolls.

hope these give you some ideas

[ShaunJ]

John & Hannah Wills were living there in 1871 but not necessarily as owners - more likely as tenants. The occupants of 55 in the 1871 census were:

Thomas Parker, Master Tailor & family

AND

John Wills, 65 Clerk, Aberdeen Scotland
Hannah 55 Colchester
Maria daur 30 Woolwich
William son 28 gilder & decorator Woolwich

RG10/112 f59 p 8

[ShaunJ]

Hannah is still living there in 1881, widow aged 66, "deriving income from landed property" - so maybe they did own it !

[Grandma Cas]

Wow!! that was fast, I wonder if it's a record for the fastest reply  .

Thanks Toni, I'll check out your suggestions.

Shaun, I do have that info but, thanks for taking the time to do the search, it's that info that prompted my question.

Regards
Carol