Land & Property Records

Property & Land Records (All Periods) This is a functional category that groups records by their subject matter—land and property—regardless of the time period or the body that created them. These documents are essential for tracing the history of a specific building or piece of land and the families who owned or occupied it. Records in this category include: Title Deeds & Conveyances: The legal documents that transfer ownership of property from one person or entity to another. A single property may have a "bundle" of deeds spanning centuries. Tithe Maps & Apportionments (c. 1836-1850): Detailed, large-scale maps created to replace the old tithes (a tax of one-tenth of agricultural produce) with a monetary rent charge. They show every plot of land, field numbers, and are accompanied by an apportionment schedule listing the landowner, occupier, property name, and the tithe payable. Enclosure Awards & Maps (c. 1750-1850): The legal documents that resulted from the enclosure of common land and open fields. The maps show the new, re-allocated land boundaries, and the awards list who received which plots. Land Tax Assessments: Annual lists from the late 17th to the 19th century that name the proprietors of land in a parish and the tax assessed. They are excellent for tracking property ownership over time. Valuation Office Survey (1910-1915): Often called the "Lloyd George Domesday," this was a massive survey of land value for taxation purposes. It produced incredibly detailed maps and accompanying "field books" that describe individual properties, list owners and occupiers, and give valuations.