Your Place in History

Sign up for one , two or three free sessions at Walthamstow Central Library and using both original and replica historical sources learn how to discover the history of your home. The sessions will be led by historian and archaeologist Dr. Neil Houghton of Walthamstow Historical Society. 

Saturday 11 May      A sense of place - finding the history of your home. - An introduction to the sources available to house history with practical experience using the census, ordnance survey maps, original copies of the 1921 Survey of London maps, street directories and Charles Booth's coverage of Walthamstow in his 1886 - 1903 Survey of London. Use will be made of images from the hugely important LBWF photographic archive and the Society's own strong photographic collection. 

Saturday 18th May      Reading a Victorian or Edwardian House - A guide to how most domestic buildings in Waltham Forest are constructed; types of building materials and methods used, use of space within 19th century houses and what clues to look for in your home to discover its history. Mainly a presentation with a short walk around outside to get some practical experience 'reading' buildings. 

Saturday 25th may      Your home in its Place - Putting together what has been learned in the previous 2 sessions together with any additional work which people can share enabling them to construct a narrative for their own home and its place within the changing context of Waltham Forest. People will be encouraged to share what they have discovered. 

Host or Publisher Waltham Forest Libraries