Local | Research Tips
Local History - Getting Started
Researching the history of your local area can be great fun, and is an excellent way of getting involved with a whole range of community initiatives. It may be a case of wanting to know a little more about the area in which you live, or hunting down clues to a mystery that's always intrigued you. Perhaps you've seen an amazing house in the locality that's aroused your curiosity. If so, here are the main places you'll need to visit in order to set out on your quest.
- Local Library - this is where you are most likely to find a local study centre, where previous research notes and an array of relevant archive documents can be found. It will be particularly good for newspaper clippings, photographs, trade directories and maps.
- County Record Office - this is where local archives are usually deposited, and are a goldmine for the local historian. Alongside maps, newspapers and photographs you'll find old legal papers, administrative records, personal papers, diaries, collected notes of historians and other gems.
- The National Archives - the record office for files generated by central government. There really is no limit to the areas you can research here, from railways, canals and roads, to military papers, army bases and shipyards; trial papers, court case records and verdicts to transportation files; maps, plans, surveys - the list is endless!
- The British Library - one of the most important collections of Western Manuscripts, as well as a massive map library. You can access rare and modern books, including many out of print antiquarian studies and local histories that may not be available locally.
- Museums - most towns and cities have local museums that collect, acquire and curate objects of local interest. Some focus on the archaeology and ancient history of an area; others reflect a local trade that shaped a town's destiny. There are also national collections of importance that can help you to uncover more about your area of interest. Furthermore, many hold important archive collections in their own right, and should be a place that you visit many times as you progress.
Your area of interest will determine which record office or library you'll need to visit, and what set of documents you'll need to use. To help get you started, you should join your nearest local history society. This is where you can join a network of enthusiastic researchers, attend lectures and courses and contribute to their work. It is also where you can receive advice if your research runs into trouble!
More about some of the most important sets of documents can be found in forthcoming document profiles.
If you are interested in researching the history of your house, click here.
