Genealogy Chat

Hi, thanks for reading. There are 2 houses near me with one of my surnames ie Bloggs Lodge & Bloggs House. They are in a private drive. I would like to find some history about them without bothering the current occupiers. So does anyone know of a site that could help please? Ta. Jen

Hi, Not sure which region you are in, but a quick look on Google revealed these sites....(Hope the URLS remain intact with the *). http://www.myoldhouse.co*uk/guide/ http://www.surreyhousedetective.co*uk/ http://www.essexcc.gov*uk/vip8/ecc/ECCWebsite/display/guides/ero_house_history_guide_645540_ArchivesAndMuseums/questions/index.jsp?questionOid=17345 http://www.oxfordshire.gov*uk/index/libraries_heritage_countryside/cos/resources/house.htm http://www.hertsdirect*.org/libsleisure/heritage1/HALS/halsfaqs/househist Hope that helps! J.

Thanks J, will check it out. Jen

I have just written to the family who lived in my grandads old house and were only more than happy to help so I would give them a try Kazzie

Jen At one time when you purchased a house they used to let you have the deeds - it must have been about the 1980's cos I had the deeds to the house I lived in then. I think they must have gone back to the old way now of depositing them with solicitors cos I haven't got the deeds to this house. My point being, if the people who live there moved in in the 1980's they may have the deeds which would give you quite a lot of info. If not, why not try your local library. Jeanette x

Jeanette, thanks for that info. After reading another thread where someone got help from the current occupiers I think I will compose a polite letter and send it via mail so they don't think I've been up their private drive. Cheers, Jen.

Kazzie, thanks (it was yr thread I mentioned to Jeanette). I will write that letter. ;-) Jen

Jen That letter sounds like a real good idea. You never know, one of the occupiers might be interested in the history of their house too and may have already done some research. The deeds that I had had copies of the contracts of everybody that had lived there and how much they had paid. It also had info on who bought the land from whom and who built the houses, the original address, and clauses about who could live there - ie no tallow chandlers, whitesmiths or blacksmiths and they couldn't keep any livestock. Jeanette x

Good on you Jen you may be surprised they may be as eager as you on this the lady I spoke to last night was thrilled someone taking such an interest in her house and cant wait to help would love to know what your outcome on this will be will post mine once visited Kazzie

Kazzie - yeah, I hope they're keen like yours. We'll keep each other updated. ;-) Jen