House histories


Parker Street plan, 1904A house history is a fascinating document which really brings a building’s past alive and can explain all sorts of mysteries about its layout and features. House histories make wonderful birthday, anniversary, retirement or house-warming gifts for friends, family and colleagues or, of course, for yourself! You could even give one as an unusual and very special gift for a newborn baby, something that will tell them all about the house they were born in and which they will treasure in later life.

I will carry out research using original documents to find out when the house was built and what it originally looked like, who built it (and which other houses they built nearby), who has lived in it (and the properties adjacent) and what structural alterations it has undergone. I’ll also give you a history of the development of your street and of the area of Oxford in which you live. The house history includes copies of original maps, census returns and historic images.

To find out more and for a guide to prices, please contact me on 01865 242760 or liz@lizwoolley.co.uk

“Fascinating … Details easily get forgotten and it’s lovely to have everything fully documented in a book that relates specifically to our house – our first family home. We treasure it.”  Oonah Buist, East Oxford, January 2020.

“What a wonderful thing to have! You have given us a wealth of fascinating information, and in a most elegant form. I am most impressed and we will all treasure it.”  Tom Kuhn, East Oxford, January 2018.

“Many thanks for such a remarkable piece of research. The beautifully produced document has great sentimental, as well as historical interest for our whole family. Thank you for preparing such a high quality record of the story of our house and the area where we live.”  James Fry & Susanna Pressel, North Oxford, February 2013.

“The house history has given us a sense of belonging from the day we moved in, and a great way to introduce ourselves to the new neighbours. It’s a coffee table ‘must’ for anyone with an old house.”  Cecilia Fry, East Oxford, November 2010.

“When we moved to Oxford after 22 years in London it was crucial to find the right house and the right neighbourhood. This document has given me some amazing information about both.”  Patrick Budge, South Oxford, November 2009.

How about a lovely painting of your house to go on the front cover of your house history report? Oxford artist Dorothy Megaw does beautiful pictures of buildings on commission – see her website for more information.