What to do with old(ish) house deeds?

[flipflops]

Going through a box of odds and ends I came across a set of house deeds dating from between about 1902 and 196? Although I've only glanced at them, there are quite a few names, including a KCB, and a notice of sale from the early 1900s, so I imagine they are of some historical interest. 

Now I'm just wondering what would be the best/right thing to do with them,


 

[CarolA3]

Someone mentioned this website a few weeks ago - and just for once, I kept the link

http://www.familydeeds.org/about.php

I'm sure they'd be pleased to hear from you!

Carol

[Old Bristolian]

I'm sure the relevant County Record Office would be glad to have them too

Steve

[Jane Masri]

What a great web site Carol.  I've bookmarked that 

Jane

[flipflops]

Thank you for your replies - and for the link. Couldn't decide which to choose, so contacted Family Deeds in the hope that they can 'borrow' them then pass them on to the records office which seemed like a good plan to me - and maybe I'll be (a little bit) forgiven for working in my heedless youth, at a company who used to cut up old vellum documents such as deeds and indentures and turn them into lampshades (shudder).

[CarolA3]

Most of us, if we're honest, shudder from time to time when reminded of past mistakes - life's a learning curve!  If offered that job in my youth, I'd probably have done it too

And now that you've made such a public confession, and you're truly repentant, we can all wish the new improved Flipflops a very happy 2013 and the best of luck with your research

All the best,
Carol

[Viktoria]

Do you know the property to which these deeds are relevant? I  hope they are not your present house-----If so they are essential documents and it is a helluva job to replace them. A property can`t be sold without them.
 They are passed on to each successive owner when a property is sold and outline boundaries, fences etc. as well as leasehold and freehold conditions.Unless the property to which they pertain has been demolished they ought to be with the present owner.
Sorry if I am" teaching my granny to suck eggs "  but they are really important docume
nts.  Viktoria.

[CarolA3]

NB This reply refers to England only
For several decades, the Land Registry (a government agency) has been transferring information from old-style 'deeds' into its own electronic register.  Generally speaking, 'deeds' are now redundant because most properties are registered.  I've bought and sold nine (soon to be ten) properties in the last 35 years, and 'deeds' have never been required.

This link explains it better than I can:  http://www.landregistry.gov.uk/public/faqs/where-are-my-deeds-kept

Carol

[Viktoria]

I did not know that Carol. When our mortgage was all paid up we got the deeds and a long document explaining how important they were and our bank offered to keep them safe for us. This was in1996. Several ,to my disappointment were copies, I had seen our neighbour`s which were all on vellum ,copperplate writing, red wax seals etc.Some of ours are typwritten and on flimsy paper , not very nice at all. Some others are really lovely .However I`ll look after these as they are part of the history of our little town and I`m sure future owners will  be interested---- especially in the increase in price  from the 1800`s  when it sold for  several hundred pounds.
Viktoria.