Research Advice in Local History

• Where did that road originally lead?
• How were the poor looked after in the village in the eighteenth century?
• How did the coming of the railway affect the community in the 1830's?
• What is the history of my house and others in the high street?

Here is some advice to get your research on track. There are several good ways to start finding out more about the local history of your area and I have listed some of them below:

Useful Books on Local History

To begin with it may be convenient to read up on local studies before leaving the comfort of your armchair. There are several general books on researching local history available in your local library, or alternatively, if you really don't want to leave your nice comfy chair you can order them online. The publications section on this website has more details. The general books at the top of the list are recommended.

Oral History

How has the community developed around the church? Is it the oldest surviving building? What about the local park? was it specially created amenity or the former estate of a local shipping magnate? A site visit is often essential and much more can be learned. New questions will arise too. Again, be prepared. Take recording equipment, including cameras and notebooks. Take along early photographs and maps if you can to help you understand the development of the site. Several books are recommended, especially;

• The Making of the English Landscape - W.G. Hoskins
• Fieldwork in Local History - W.G. Hoskins
• Interpreting the Landscape - Mick Aston
• Maps for Local History - Brian Paul Hindle

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There are Local History societies all over the country and there is a good chance there is one catering for your area of interest. Some societies are linked to University History or Archaeology departments and have an academic emphasis, but this does not preclude beginners from joining. Nevertheless, there are many more societies run by enthusiastic locals which are dedicated to the local history of their part of the world and are efficiently organised. New members including beginners are always wlecomed.

There is a comprehensive list of societies on this site - Click here

Most societies will produce a newletter or magazine and aften an annual journal. Local History magazines available off the shelf, even in the major newsagents, are rare. Most will require membership and subscription. Recommended are;

• Local History Magazine

Local History Magazine was established in 1984 and is published six times a year, available by postal subscription only. Every issue contains a mixture of news, articles, book and periodical reviews, readers' notices and information.

• The Local Historian

Published by the British Association for Local History, their purpose is to encourage and assist the study of Local History as an academic discipline and as a rewarding leisure pursuit for both individuals and groups. Published in February, May, August and November.

All back copies are available and can be purchased for £2.50 each. The Local Historian contains articles and features for the general reader that may be of a wide, perhaps national, application or may reflect a local subject. There is emphasis on applying principles and methods to local research and study, so that you can benefit from the work of others. Family historians can learn about the local world in which their forebears lived and worked. There are extensive reviews and lists of publications.

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