Thorough research is a necessary element of all our projects and involves consultation with a wide range of archives and libraries in order to ascertain the archaeological and historical background of a specific study site or area of assessment.

With reference to building studies, documentary research can be cross-referenced with architectural survey and cartographic material can be used to date a building specifically or at least provide a date range.

There are two main types of documentary evidence, simply known as primary and secondary resources. The primary resources are generally the original written word in the probate of a will, title deeds, lease, sale or mortgage deeds and photographs etc, which can usually be relied upon with accuracy.

Cartographic material tends to bridge the gap between primary and secondary sources. Estate maps can be regarded as a primary resource and often accompany a sale or lease document. They can be relied upon for detail, whereas other types of mapping are not as detailed or accurate and form the secondary resource.

The secondary resources consist of the various archival and bibliographic sources available to the researcher. It is often helpful to consult the secondary sources first as they may contain references to primary sources such as specific documents or photographs relating to the study site.

We carry out a wide range of research activities for the purposes of our standard reports. It is also possible to carry out specific historical research of an upstanding building, family related to an historical demesne, archaeological monument, rural area, town or city using documentary and cartographic evidence.