Map Your House History: A Visual Journey
Connect with Previous Owners and Local History
Map Your House History and uncover the stories of your home and its neighborhood. Explore past residents and local events. Ultimately uncover a little history of your home and turn a simple property into a tapestry of stories. From former residents’ daily lives to remarkable local events, each detail adds depth to your house’s history. Perhaps a past owner was a local artisan, a wartime volunteer, or someone who shaped the neighborhood in surprising ways.
Delving into local history through archives, old newspapers, or historical societies reveals how your street and community have evolved. Even talking to long-term neighbours can uncover anecdotes, memories, or changes to your home that official records might miss.
Transform Records Into Art for Your Walls
Join us behind the scenes as we describe how we map your house history in this beautiful poster that features your home and local area. There is no doubt about it; people are fascinated with maps. because old maps can take us back in time to view an area as it was in the past, and new maps can show us places where we have never been. There is always that element of discovery.
At Discovering Heritage, we use maps every day; they help us date the houses we are researching.
Historical Home Map Print
We often begin by locating the property on historical Ordnance Survey maps; it enables us to provide our clients with a visual guide to the development of the street. It also helps us narrow down the dates to when the property was built.
For example, Warwick Street in Heaton is not located on the 1st edition map circa 1860 but does appear on the 2nd edition map of 1899. These dates narrowed our search timespan to between 1860 and 1899. Maps are often the key to beginning a house history.
Illustrated map of your home’s past
In 1746 the Duke of Cumberland commissioned a plan of Newcastle. One copy was made, which was drawn on vellum and is now in the British Museum. Isaac Thompson drew the plan. (Incidentally, Isaac Thompson founded the Newcastle Journal with William Cuthbert in 1739.)
Notably, at this time, maps were still decorative, some dotted with houses and other buildings, though maybe not as pictorial or symbolic as early medieval maps.
Custom house history artwork
Inspired by her work in museums with access to what lay in the vaults and by her thirst for travel using Google Maps as a means of planning a journey and exploring new places, our illustrator Wendy Malkin designs our Little House History maps. Every history is entirely bespoke.
Our Map Your House History poster is a miniature story of your house. It features a potted history of your home and the local area with text set around an illustrated map of the neighbourhood. The map highlights local features and buildings and shows the street address with small local landmarks and road names.
Incorporate Your Home’s Story Into Decor
“I begin by sketching a few ideas on paper. Simple drawings like this help me develop my illustrations to stay in harmony with the pictorial aspect of the map. Once I am happy with the basics, I take my design to the computer and begin work on the graphics.”
Wendy’s designs are clean, sharp, and instantly appealing!
Adding The House and Local History
Meanwhile while Wendy is working on the graphics, other members of our team are digging through the archives to discover the history.
For this product, we look at the 1911 census and the 1929 register to find who lived in your house. In addition we also search the newspaper archives for your area to find local history stories and present them in this uniquely researched illustration.
Beautiful old Tithe Maps look great on feature walls
Historic house map UK
Why Mapping Your House History Matters
Preserve Local Heritage and Traditions
In 1911 Ernest Albert Dodd lived at this address with his wife Mary Ann and their two young daughters Marjorie Aileen and Cecily Winifred Poppy. The family shared their house with a stockbrokers clerk named Henry.
Ernest Albert worked as an engineer for a lift maker.
By 1939 a different family was living at this address. Robert Anderson, a widower aged 70, lived here with his son Robert Anderson Junior who was 33 years old. Also living in the house were Winifred Alice Anderson and Madeline Mason, who undertook unpaid domestic duties. Mr Anderson senior worked as a cargo superintendent and Robert as a registered ship’s clerk.
It is possible the members of this household were present in 1940 when a horrific incident devasted the area. A German bomber was returning home after a raid, and it discharged its bombs over Lewisham; the brick street shelter on Albion Way suffered a direct hit. According to records, 41 people in or nearby the shelter lost their lives.
The victims are buried at Hither Green Cemetery, Verdant Lane and commemorated with the following inscription.
” To The Glory of God
And in Grateful Memory of
Those Citizens of the Borough
Of Lewisham, The Young The Active
The Elderly, Who Remaining At The
Post od Duty Lost Their Lives
by Enemy Action 1939 -1945″
An ARP message scribbled hurriedly on a form from the day states,
Major damage Lewisham at about 16.30 hours HE on or near public shelter junction Albion Way Lewisham High Street 100 casualties service sent 4 ambulance 7sp 2 rescue.
Time of origin of message 16.55
Map your house history today for a bespoke gift for house owners and history lovers
Tips for Integrating Posters into Modern and Traditional Interiors
Our Map Your House History posters transform your home’s past into a striking visual story. Each poster combines detailed research with elegant illustration, turning dates, names, and local events into a beautifully bespoke map that can be proudly displayed on your wall. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a homeowner, or searching for a unique gift, these posters make any home’s story tangible and visually engaging.
The artwork is carefully designed to highlight both your property’s history and the local history that surrounds it. From former residents’ lives to notable neighborhood events, every element adds depth and character. Not only does it celebrate your home, but it also invites curiosity and conversation making it a perfect focal point in living rooms, hallways, or home offices.
With a Map Your House History poster, you’re not just decorating a wall; you’re celebrating the story of your home and its community in a way that’s both personal and timeless.
Style your home’s history next to your bookcase
A Map Your House History poster can enhance any space, whether your home is contemporary or steeped in traditional charm. Here’s how to make it work:
- Framing Matters – Choose frames that match your interior style. Sleek black, white, or metallic frames work well in modern spaces, while wooden or antique-style frames complement classic décor.
- Consider Placement – Hang your poster where it can be appreciated, such as above a mantel, on a feature wall, or in a hallway. Eye-level placement ensures it becomes a conversation piece.
- Mix With Other Art – In eclectic or gallery-style walls, combine your house history poster with family photos, prints, or local art to create a storytelling display.
- Match Color Schemes – Coordinate the poster’s colors with your room palette. Neutral tones blend seamlessly, while bolder shades can make the poster stand out as a focal point.
- Layering and Accessories – For traditional interiors, place the poster above sideboards or shelves with complementary décor items like candles, books, or plants to create a layered look. In modern spaces, keep surrounding décor minimal to let the poster shine.
- Lighting – Highlight your poster with soft wall lighting or picture lights. Proper illumination brings out details and makes it a true feature of the room.
By following these tips, your Map Your House History poster becomes not just a decoration, but a meaningful, stylish reflection of your home and its story.
Ready to bring your home’s story to life? See our pricing and order your custom poster today!
