Search Steps

The process is set out in four main steps.

Step 1 : Learning about the development of the street and area via maps.

Step 2 : Finding out the date your property was built.

Step 3 : Discovering the property's residents.

Step 4 : Finding out more about the residents.

Note that confusion can arise about exactly who the resident is given many names were common, and, in the 19th century, the first son/daughter was often given the same forename as their father/mother (and thus the same name as their grandfather/ grandmother), and sons often followed their father’s career. Thus it can sometimes require cross-checking and detective work to be certain the individual is the one who lived in the property.