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About Trace My House
I’m a dedicated house historian and researcher. I started this blog to help homeowners, genealogists, and history enthusiasts navigate the fascinating (and sometimes complex) world of property research.
Why House History?
Every building has a story to tell—hidden in old deeds, census records, and local archives. Through my work at TraceMyHouse.com, I’ve helped countless people uncover who lived in their homes, what they did for a living, and how their neighborhoods have changed over centuries.
What You’ll Find Here
On this blog, I share practical "hints and tips" to help you do your own detective work, including:
• How to read Census records effectively.
• Tips for navigating the Land Registry.
• Guides to dating architectural features (from Tudor to Art Deco).
• The best free websites for historical research.
My Goal
My mission is to make historical research accessible to everyone. Whether you are a seasoned family historian or a new homeowner curious about your front door's past, I’m here to help you open the door to history.

About Keith Searle

Keith Searle has spent over 55 years researching house and family histories, helping people uncover the stories behind their homes and the people who lived in them.

His work focuses on practical, proven methods for tracing property ownership and occupancy, using sources such as census records, Land Registry documents, old deeds, directories, and historical records.

Keith is the founder of Trace My House and How Old Is My House, two leading online resources for researching house history in the UK and USA. He is also co-founder of House History Hour, a popular platform sharing knowledge and expertise in the field.

His work has been featured in national publications including The Sunday Times, The Times, The Telegraph, and Family Tree Magazine.

As a speaker and author, Keith has spent many years helping others understand how to research their homes with confidence, cutting through confusion and avoiding common pitfalls.

This blog brings together his experience in a clear, practical way — designed to help anyone, whether beginner or experienced, trace the history of a property step by step




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Uncovering Your American Home's Hidden History: A Complete Research Guide

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 Cracking the Code: What those 1921 Census "Scribbles" Really Mean Have you ever looked at a 1921 Census return for your house and wondered who "vandalized" it with blue and red pencils? If you look closely at the margins of your ancestor's entry, you’ll likely see cryptic numbers, ticks, and slashes that the householder definitely didn't put there. As a house historian, I’m often asked if these marks are mistakes. In fact, they are the secret shorthand of the 1921 Civil Service. These "scribbles" were added by census clerks in the sorting offices to turn raw data into national statistics. Here is how to "decode" your house's story using three distinct types of residents: 1. The Professional Office & Skilled Trade These codes reveal the "white-collar" and artisan fabric of the street. • Code 719 (National Government): Next to a "Clerk" entry, this marks a Civil Servant, indicating a secure, professional statu...
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From Tudor Beams to Art Deco Curves: How to Date Your House

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