ourpasthistory.com » Metal Detecting
Aids to researching your site or locality
Libraries
Books - These come second in importance to your detector - you will need them to learn how to identify and understand what you find - and also to help you research your intended area of detecting.
Most central libraries will have a good selection of local history and landscape archaeology books - these in turn will give you further sources in their bibliographies for you to follow up on. A number of libraries also hold maps in stock.
Victoria County History Volumes
These volumes which began in 1899 are a mine of information on parish histories. They are not cheap to buy , however your library should hold a copy for your county.
You can read more about them online at http://www.englandpast.net/
British History Online
This is a digital library of text and information about people, places and businesses from the medieval and early modern period which also has a section of online Victoria County History volumes (not all counties) which you can access here http://www.british-history.ac.uk/subject.asp?subjectid=23
Archaeological Journals
These may give locations of sites which if not scheduled may be worthy of attention. Most libraries and record offices hold copies of local journals.
Maps
Maps and plans are a very important source of information about the development of a place, or an area, through time. Enclosure and tithe plans, mostly made during the period c. 1750-1850, often provide the best map of a village or neighbourhood prior to the appearance of large-scale Ordnance Survey plans. Many local record offices also hold copies of such maps.
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Navigate for more: How do I find some land to detect on? Phil Dunnings tips for researching a site