Is there a way to trace a house's history?

[Shiny1]

Hi All,

I've been asked about a bit of a family puzzle and don't know where to start.

Two maiden aunts lived at 163 Grey Street in North Shields. The story goes that the house was bought outright but no one really knows or can understand where the money came from to do that or even when it happened. Is there a way of finding that sort of information?

There names were Edith Harrison (1883 - 1973) and Lily Harrison (1879-1953) if that helps any and they were both still living with their parents in 1911 so the house was bought sometime between 1911 and 1953.

Thanks a lot,

Michael

[nanny jan]

If the sisters owned the house it would probably have been mentioned in a Will. Have you looked to see if either sister left a Will?

https://www.gov.uk/search-will-probate

[Rhododendron]

You could try HM Land Registry but I don't think it was obligatory to register land and property at that particular time.

[stanmapstone]

From the  Shields Daily News - Tuesday 21 June 1904

[Rhododendron]

Am a bit rusty on research now but Local Government Registers for the area could/should show whether a person was entitled to vote, and on what basis (i.e. property owning).  In 1918 women over 30 could vote if they owned property.

[stanmapstone]

Fron the  Shields Daily Gazette - Tuesday 28 June 1904

[Ruskie]

If you have a look on google maps, the houses on Grey St are very modest.

[stanmapstone]

See http://www.zoopla.co.uk/property-history/163-grey-street/north-shields/ne30-2eh/14916855

Stan

[rosie99]

Have you looked to see where the ladies are living in 1939 

There is always the possibility that they rented it to start with then bought it so proof of residence would not necessarily mean proof of ownership