The value of research & studying

Back in 2009 I took a one-year part time Post Graduate Certificate course in Architectural History run by Oxford University’s Dept for Continuing Education, which coincidently Karen Averby from the #Househistoryhour team did at the same time! It provided a broad sweep of English architecture from the Anglo-saxon period to the present day combined with practical skills training in how to record and analyse buildings.

A key component was the end of year dissertation. Mine was a study of Rothschild estate buildings in the Vale of Aylesbury. I live in the vicinity of the seven country houses the Rothschild family built or renovated in the Victorian period all within 8 miles of Aylesbury including the French chateau inspired Waddesdon Manor. Simultaneously they also built numerous estate cottages and public buildings for their workers and tenants in surrounding villages. Many are identifiable by their half-timbered Elizabethan style some adorned with Rothschild plaques but as they are spread out, they don’t have the cohesiveness of better-known planned villages such as Cadbury’s Bournville.

This was a topic waiting to be explored and I spent time studying various buildings and delving into the archives to find out more. It’s been a stepping board for my career and I’ve since carried out many house histories of Rothschild properties in the area and give talks on the subject. I’d love to extend the dissertation into a book one day!

There are lots of house history and architectural history courses available these days ranging from short one day introductory sessions to full time MA courses so worth checking out if you are interested in the subject.

Cathy Soughton Accredited Genealogist & House Historian