SARAH KERRISON, HALS TALK 26th February 2026 – RESEARCHING YOR HOUSE
WEBSITES
HALS (Hertfordshire Archives and Local Studies)
https://www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/services/libraries-and-archives/hertfordshire-archives-
and-local-studies/hertfordshire-archives-and-local-studies.aspx
hals.enquiries@hertfordshire.gov.uk
Hertfordshire Archives and Local Studies, Register Office Block, County Hall, Hertford, SG13 8EJ
Historic England Archive (Swindon)
https://historicengland.org.uk/images-books/archive/
Land Registry
https://search.uklandregistryonline.org.uk
National Archive (Kew)
https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/
BEAMS house histories (Hertford) https://www.beamsltd.org/home.html
TECHNIQUES
Variety of house types and ages/different sources apply
Importance of preparation and recording research results (e.g. by decade in folders); work
backwards from known secure information cross-checked; verify
Start by talking to neighbours, researching the area, looking at house building style,
exteriors, and interiors; take account of alterations
SOURCES
Deeds: Land Registry; check what came with house purchase or with mortgage holder
Zoopla often has information on previous saes/owners
Local library/local studies section
Museums
Online sources like Ancestry, Find My Past (check and compare)
Censuses via library/HALS; 1939 plus more to come
Maps/plans/surveys/detailed OS maps show buildings; town plans
Inland Revenue valuation maps from 1910 Finance Act; owners’ names and occupations;
‘Second Domesday Survey’ (via HALS/National Archive)
2
Tithe maps and awards from 1836 Tithe Act (payments to parishes) (HALS/National
Archives)
Enclosure Maps (rights of way etc.)
Estate Maps up to OS 1791
Sales particulars, aerial photos, planning applications (District Council records)
Farm Survey 1940s
Listed buildings records (HALS)
Photographs (HALS)
Electoral registers 1832 onwards; limited information (HALS)
Trade directories (Kelly etc.); town directories; adverts (HALS)
HALS Hearth Tax project https://events.hertfordshire.gov.uk/hals/launch-of-the-
hertfordshire-hearth-tax-digital-edition In 1662 the Hearth Tax was introduced as a
property tax based on the number of fireplaces.
New housing developments; garden cities/towns (District Council)